The set, by Thad Hallstein, was very well thought out and executed. An expensive-looking living room fills the stage, complete with a prominent red couch center stage, an ornately carved grand staircase and chandelier. The set creates the perfect backdrop in which to tell the story as well as to execute physical humor with actors jumping over couches, jumping up stairs and falling over themselves.
The Butler Didn't tells the story of jewel thieves Rick and Ernesto, who pose at the butler and the landscaper for wealthy, but aging Ezekiel Podmore in order to steal $20,000 worth of jewels. Everything is going according to the plan until Ezekiel's health takes a turn for the worse and who's included in the will comes into question.
Michael B. Woods settles right into the character of Rick, easily transforming himself the moment the lights come up. He's wickedly funny with both the delivery of his lines as well as with his physical humor. Woods is well aware of comedic timing and uses that talent to his advantage, keeping the audience audibly laughing. He's also a terrific physical actor, humorously hopping up stairs with his pants at his ankles, hopping over the couch and tripping all over the stage.
Ernesto, played by Richard Perez, starts out a bit shaky but as the show moves along, he becomes more comfortable in his character and by the end he's quick with the one liners and is just hilarious to watch. Perez plays well off Woods and the two of them create quite an entertaining duo. They are clearly comfortable with each other, allowing the interactions to be easy and the humor to flow.
There are some interesting but strange casting choices, such as with Ezekiel. Ezekiel is described as an old, ailing millionaire but when David Belew takes the stage it seems a completely different character. Belew comes off more as a middle aged, healthy, vibrant man playing sick as opposed to a sickly man who could go at any moment. Belew is entertaining, but doesn't fit the character description, creating a disconnect with the writing.
As Ezekiel's wife Cassie (Jackie Trabilsy) and daughter Laura (Michelle Weissgerber), these women have a tendency to lean toward overacting. While this is a farce and that does call for some overacting with over-the-top exaggerated characters, the overacting can be a bit overbearing and lead to cheesiness rather than humor. Trabilsy starts off feeling more like she's playing the part of a trophy wife rather than owning it, but as the show progresses, she begins to embody the character more fully and becomes less showy and more genuine, allowing her to really entertain the audience. Similarly, Weissgerber also feels like she's playing at being spoiled little rich girl causing her character to come off as an imitation. She continues to lean toward excessive overacting throughout the performance, which can be a bit grating at times.
Elizabeth Dowling keeps her acting more grounded as Ezekiel's lawyer Anna. Dowling is on point with her characterization and very humorous as she's torn between keeping her professional front and letting her feelings get the best of her. This dilemma combined with her comedic skill creates wonderfully amusing scenes.
The Butler Didn't proves to be a well-written and performed show. Save for some odd casting choices and a bit of overacting, this show is fun, lively performance.
The Butler Didn't plays at the Metropolis Performing Arts Center (111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights) through April 17. Tickets are $35 to $43 and can be purchased by calling 847-577-2121.
No comments:
Post a Comment