|
|
Nikki Wing and Sara Shatzel hang on for dear life as they tumble toward their destiny in “Wonder of the World.” |
|
|
‘Wonder’ delivers strong shot of comedic high
Melora B. North
Banner Staff
If it were possible to have snuck into The Provincetown Theater this past weekend, where “Wonder of the World is currently on stage, you might have thought you had stumbled onto the set of Saturday Night Live or Hee Haw — the laughs just kept rolling. This laugh-in wasn’t the result of funny tobaccy or laughing gas, it was real, rollicking entertainment. If you are up for a belly full of fun, this show is the ticket to your dreams.
There are no life lessons to be learned in this comedy penned by David Lindsay-Abiare, whose “Kimberly Akimbo” was on stage at the theater last winter to the glee of giddy audiences. It simply is a comic production that rolls along at a steady clip and keeps the audience in stitches. Directed by Susan Grilli, it is an enjoyable vehicle that tools along with panache and a punch and delivers more comedic zest than the Three Stooges and Tina Fey bundled together on one set. If you want to shed the winter blahs and have a hoot, it is a must-see. It will be on stage only through March 1, so call for your reservations now.
The story is simple: Cass (Nikki Wing) wants to ditch her dreary husband of seven years, Kip (Ben Griessmeyer), who thinks the way to her heart is through a surprise home delivery of a trout flavored aspic. Unfortunately, the surprise isn’t the tomato mold, rather Kip’s coming home to find Cass packing her bags in preparation to hit the road and head for Niagara Falls to escape what she considers his sexual perversion. On the bus Cass meets Lois (Sara Shatzel), a suicidal woman on a mission of her own — a last trip over the falls, in a barrel, which she has inconveniently brought along on the coach. The two decide they will share a room at a hotel while Lois prepares to make her final trip and Cass works on her life list of things to do before she gets too old to do them.
On a tour of the falls the girls meet up with a questionable couple, Karla (Susan Modrak) and Glen (Scott Hayes), along with a southern belle, Barbara (Valerie Stanford), who add fuel to this comedic romp, that, like the United Way, just keeps on giving. It is also on this side trip that Cass meets the dashing Captain Mike (Beau Jackett), tour director and skipper of the ship as well as the paramour who skippers her ship into nirvana on a little tour of their own, after which Cass manages to happily cross a few life goals off her list.
The cast is a frothy mixture of raw talent and some powerful comedic personalities that shine on stage. Of particular interest is Shatzel who brings the house down with just about every line she utters. A loser-alcoholic with a biting sense of timing and humor, her character carries the show as Lois prepares for her last hoorah down stream. With her sidekick Cass feeding her the openings; Wing is a natural enabler providing a powerful punch as the so-called straight man.
Also to be commended is Modrak who plays a mysterious role, teasing the story along on a riotous agenda that culminates in some surprises. Her character is smart, sharp and quick, her delivery as Karla timed just right. And with Glen by her side, Hayes is a perfect counterpart for the story that is playing out.
All the actors are well cast in their parts and appear to be having a rollicking good time, which is naturally contagious. Jackett as the captain is a simple man with mysteries of his own, and Greissmeyer as Kip plays a wimpy enabler who is ready to put his life on hold to get back his gal. Valerie Stanford takes on four minor roles, all delightful diversions, particularly the scene in which she is the pilot for a helicopter ride above the falls with the girls.
The set by Bridget Doyle is stark but functional, and costumes by Steven Carey are a fun mix of polyester, dorky sweaters and funky shoes. Lighting by Greg Hamm enhances the set. And director Grilli pulls it all together and makes it all happen.
“Wonder of the World” plays at The Provincetown Theater Friday and at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday For tickets, $18.50 to $22.50, call (508) 487-7487.
mnorth@provincetownbanner.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
Feb 26th, 2009