The sub-title of this review might well be “RVP Versus the Pandemic” inasmuch as the show goes on in spite of Covid-19 mask mandates and social-distancing requirements…offstage. That said, this production is a worthy diversion from the restrictions we are enduring because of the pandemic. There is plenty of comic relief during the pandemic in this crazy/slapstick-comedy by Playwright David Lindsay-Abaire — thanks to its script, casting, directing, and acting.
Kudos to Co-Producer Heather Shepardson; Director, Chloe Bronzan; and to the Cast for stellar performances: “Abby” (absolutely outstanding by Tori Truss); “Scotty” (Beau Tran); “Marilyn” (Pamela Hollings); “Colleen” (Rebekah Kouy-Ghadosh); “the Clown” (Nate Currier); and (Peter Warden) masterfully performing multi-characters: “Derek,” “Zombie Butler,” and “Masked Man.”
Kudos to the Crew for creating our escape into the “safe space” of the living facility: Tom O’Brien (Scenic Design) with Scenic Artistry by Dhyanis Carniglia; Michael Walraven (Set Construction). Stage Manager Dianne Harrison’s talents and those of her assistants, Ben Vasquez and Raysheina de-Leon-Ruhs, were shown by the flawless property design choices and their use. Kudos to Bruce Viera (perfect Sound Design); also, to Michael A. Berg for his tasteful costuming; also, kudos to Richard Squeri for the excellent coaching of the sky-diving skit, combat and intimacy choreography, as well as practical effects; and to Tina Johnson for excellent Lighting Design.
Kudos to the Ross Valley Players Board of Directors Officers and At-Large Members:
President Carol Winograd
Vice-President/Exec. Producer Steve Price
Vice-President/Treasurer Allan Casalou
Vice-President/Business Manager Alex Ross
Secretary Ellen Goldman
At Large: Stephanie Ahlberg, Michael Cohen, Mark Friedlander, Maureen Kalbus, Dee Kordek,
Maureen Scheuenstuhl, and Vic Revenko
Kudos also to Robin Jackson for the Program Photography and to Graphic Designer Mark Shepard; to Karen Topakian for the all-important Show Publicity; to Suzie Hughes as Program Consultant; and last but equally important: to Volunteer Coordinator, Eleanor Prugh, and to Webmaster, Andrew Wilson.
For sheer enjoyment this Ross Valley Players production is not to be missed. For performances at The Barn (30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross) on the grounds of the Marin Art and Garden Center to and including October 10, 2021, tickets are available online at RossValleyPlayers.com or by telephone: 415/456-9555, Ext. 1.
By Elle Alexa Simon
on behalf of Flora Lynn Isaacson, Critic San Francisco Bay Area Critics Circle
