Gerds/Evaluate: ‘Romantic Comedy’ crisp in Menasha | WFRV Native 5

MENASHA, Wis. (WFRV) – The title “Romantic Comedy” appears like one thing easy.

Properly, the title is the best factor concerning the Bernard Slade play offered by Attic Chamber Theatre.

Director Berray Billington astutely guides his forged in a sophisticated efficiency of a narrative laced with nuances of temptations, comical and emotional.

The setup is a profitable playwright has cut up from his writing associate, and an ideal teammate has arrived on his doorstep. Swiftly, this turns into an grownup comedy.

The playwright, Jason Carmichael, is standing in his front room in a gown with two plans in thoughts: A therapeutic massage by a masseuse adopted by dressing for a wedding – his.

When Jason steps out of the room for a second, Phoebe walks into his residence – simply arrives in a little bit of creative license by Bernard Slade – solutions the phone and hears that the masseuse is sick and might’t make it. Jason returns, takes Phoebe for the substitute masseuse and invitations a therapeutic massage.

In an online of verbal and sight gags – Phoebe’s expressions – the 2 comically clear up clouds: Phoebe, a fledging playwright, has arrived per week early to debate her new play with Jason, who she has admired for years and is kind of ga-ga about his writing abilities. Jason instantly takes to Phoebe’s thoughts and provides a partnership. However there’s additionally one thing about Phoebe beneath her dumpy, nerdy exterior.

Thus, the issues of “Romantic Comedy,” carried out in fake actuality of stay efficiency in a efficiency house with the viewers watching in on the lounge from three sides.

Establishing seven scenes are fashionable songs that trace of what’s to observe. The primary are the Tony Bennett model of “My Romance” (fairly pretty), The Partridge Household’s “I Suppose I Love You” and Starland Vocal Band’s “Afternoon Delight.” Alongside the best way Friday evening, some people within the viewers sang alongside.

Scene modifications on this manufacturing are entertaining. One of many crew members provides a little bit of gliding ballet artistry when altering set items. Solely with stay theater do you get such a bonus.

The performances are splendid and simple to admire.

Brian Zimmerman (Jason) and Lisa Witmer (Phoebe) are in a zone because the writing companions from whom creativity springs. Bernard Slade’s characters present a glimpse of what the theater scene could also be like for writers – the tussling of minds, the successes or failures, the issues of residing life.

Jason’s main complication is he has a sublime spouse, Allison (Marisa Darcourt), on this tightrope scenario: Jason and Phoebe do business from home – Allison and Jason’s – and Alison is witness to the “one thing about Phoebe.”

A continuous customer is Jason’s agent, Blanche (Lydia Singleton). Blanche is a whip-tongued satan’s advocate concerning the goings-on. Blanche has a pithy exit line that’s proper on: “Oh, Jason, attempt to be a greater particular person.”

Ultimately, Phoebe will get a lifetime of her personal. A newspaper reporter, Leo (Andrew Ring), is enthusiastic about Phoebe, including layers and layers to issues. Leo is filled with give and take.

In a single scene – an instantaneous sight gag – Jennifer Konitzer portrays a testy prima donna actress who has “negotiated” a decision of a dispute with Jason.

All through, Brian Zimmerman and Lisa Witmer are a few performing tigers. Director Berray Billington has them in continuous movement in a relentless simmer of opposing/attracted characters. Within the opening sequences particularly, Lisa Witmer’s expressions are like a primer in tips on how to painting comedic response. All through, Brian Zimmerman portrays a man who’s a bit of labor with a laundry record of faults, beginning with vainglory.

This manufacturing of “Romantic Comedy” is one other instance of fantastic work that may be present in our area’s native theaters. Actually positive.

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Working time: 2½ hours

Remaining performances: 7 p.m. Oct. 29; 2 p.m. Oct. 30; 7 p.m. Nov. 1, 2, 3, 4

Data: attictheatre.inc.com

Artistic: Playwright – Bernard Slade; director – Berray Billington; stage supervisor – Benjamin C Jordan; scenic design – Scott Wirtz Olsen; lighting design, technical director – James Frelich; sound engineer – Aubrey Parrish; manufacturing coordinator, props – Scott Crane

Solid (so as of look)

Jason Carmichael – Brian Zimmerman

Blanche Dailey – Lydia Singleton

Phoebe Craddock – Lisa Witmer

Allison St. James – Marisa Darcourt

Leo Janowitz – Andrew Ring

Kate Mallory – Jennifer Konitzer

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NEXT: “The Revolutionists” by Lauren Gunderson, Feb. 9-12, 15-19.

THE VENUE: Lucia Baehman Theatre is positioned at 1478 Halfway Street within the Communication Arts Middle of College of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Fox Cities Campus. It’s a 125-seat, considerably rectangular house. Lined by black stage curtains on every wall, the house serves as a black-box theater. There aren’t any adornments, and the stage and house are adaptable to no matter a manufacturing wants for campus and neighborhood productions. The adjoining foyer is spacious and features a ticket workplace, snack service space, restrooms and areas for artwork and photograph shows. The heart opened in 2009.

THE PEOPLE: Lucia Baehman and her husband, Stan, are longtime supporters of theater within the Fox River Valley.