When an infamously demanding radio personality slips on the ice of his dinner host's front stoop and is forces to take up residence against his will in their home for six weeks, among their various relatives, famous friend visitors and townsfolk only madness can ensue. Such is the story of The Man Who Came to Dinner, currently playing at Circle Theatre.
The set, designed by Bob Knuth, is decorated quite ornately. From the busily detailed wallpaper to the decorative window treatments to the proper-looking furniture and baby grand piano it’s clear that this space is owned by wealthy individuals. A grand staircase leads to the home’s bedrooms and French doors lead to an (offstage) library. The attention to detail is exceptional and the set is both visually interesting and the perfect backdrop for this performance.
The Man Who Came to Dinner begins with an energetic cast but some actors lean toward overacting. While the show is a farcical comedy and over-the-top acting is to be expected, some such as Mrs. Stanley (Patti Paul), wife the Earnest Stanley who are hosting radio personality Sheridan Whiteside, teeter on excessive overacting, which can be grating at times. Whiteside (Jon Steinhagen) starts off understated, delivering dryly bitter lines and insults in a rather hilarious manner. As the show progresses however, Steinhagen talks too fast, pushing the action forward and making the pace feel rushed. I understand that it’s partly a character choice that Whiteside speaks quickly as a way of speaking down to others, but Steinhagen occasionally speaks too fast, blending words together or stumbling over them. Aside from that, he does a great job of embodying the character and fleshing Whiteside out.
Lorraine Sheldon (Heather Townsend) is also plagued by use of quick speech. She, like Steinhagen, occasionally speaks so fast while delivering her lines that she stumbles. Sheldon is a larger than life character, a famous actress friend of Whiteside’s who he’s invited to visit, so Townsend’s overacting works here. Townsend is particularly funny when her character is angered, though she gets a bit shrill when she yells. Shrilling aside, Townsend uses not only her voice but her facial expressions and body language to bring Lorraine Sheldon to life.
Whiteside has traveled with his secretary Maggie Cutler (Kieran Welsh-Phillips), who keeps his life in order while he’s indisposed. Welsh-Phillips offers depth to the character of Maggie. She’s a presence on stage, speaking clearly and delivering her lines with confidence and knowledge of her character’s story. Maggie also falls in love while they are stuck at the Stanley residence with Burt Jefferson (Danny Pancratz), a newspaper reporter who has come in search of a story on Whiteside. Pancratz stars off stiffly, but throughout the show he eases into his character and delivers a delightful performance.
Harriet Stanley (Brooke Sherrod Jaeky), an ax murderer masquerading as Mr. Stanley’s sister, Nurse Preen (Katie Kisner), Whiteside’s nurse and Beverly Carlton and Banjo (Jerry Bloom), friends of Whiteside’s who visit, round out the list of standout performances. Jaeky is understated, creating a strange yet fascinating character whose story you can’t help but want to know. Kisner is rather comical as she attempts to deal with Whiteside’s temper tantrums and antics. Bloom takes on characters based on famous character men: Beverly on Noel Coward and Banjo on Harpo Marx. Bloom does a terrific job of paying homage to these characters as well as bringing his own take to the roles.
The Man Who Came to Dinner proves to be an entertaining show and ends on a hilarious note that keeps the audience laughing as the actors take their bows.
The Man Who Came to Dinner plays at Circle Theatre (1010 W. Madison, Oak Park) through April 3. Tickets are $20 to $24 and can be purchases by calling (708) 771-0700.
*** 3/4 stars
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