Reviewed by Suzanne Angeo (American Theatre Critics Association), and Greg Angeo (Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle)
Pamela Plewa, Chris Stepnitz, Andrea Crowe, Peter Buccilli
Good for a Giggle
Written by the acclaimed comedy writing trio Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten (known collectively as Jones Hope Wooten), “Farce of Habit” at Avon Players is a fluffy, cheesy souffle of a show. Jones Hope Wooten are among the most widely produced playwrights in the United States. While the trio is known for many a lightweight romp (“Red Velvet Cake Wars”, “Dearly Departed”), Wooten was also a writer and producer on the popular TV series “The Golden Girls”.
The lights go down and we find ourselves in a bucolic fishing lodge in the Ozarks. There are oars mounted on the knotty pine walls and a cute sign proclaiming the lodge’s name: Reel ‘Em Inn. Despite its charms, proud owners Wanelle and D Gene Wilburn realize they need more business. They pin their hopes on an obnoxious celebrity guest, radio show host Jock McNair, who with but a word can give them a national endorsement. As it turns out, Jock is hiding out from a stalker…or is she really his soon-to-be ex-wife Barb?
The other characters have their own special appeal: D Gene’s sister Jenna is an over-eager member of the local police force. The Wilburn’s son Ty is with the local community theater and keeps popping in wearing outlandish outfits. His new bride Maxie is upset that he may be cheating, or they may not really be married – she can’t decide which is worse. A workaholic guest from Ohio, Huddle Fisk, has never had a vacation and is ready to pull out all the stops at the Reel ‘Em Inn. The icing on the cake is the arrival of the grim Sister Myrtle Agnes, who passes smug judgement on one and all, ruler in hand. Since D Gene has an absolute terror of nuns (bad childhood experience with “Sound of Music”), the stage is set for all kinds of frenzied mayhem. Especially when the dreaded fun-size Baby Ruth wrappers make an appearance – this means a murderer is on the prowl!
Chris Stepnitz, Caroline Dargay
Raunchy humor and sight gags abound. Notable are: loveable Peter Buccilli as the recreation-starved Huddle Fisk, whose giddy excitement over being anywhere is contagious; Film and TV veteran Michael Zois, who manages to make the egomaniacal Jock McNair (almost) relatable; Chris Stepnitz (“A Few Good Men”) shows his versatility in his goofy and likeable D Gene Wilburn. Other notable performances include theater veteran Andrea Crowe as Wanelle Wilburn, Caroline Dargay as her lady cop sister-in-law Jenna and Corene Grillo as Jock’s wronged wife Barb. Matt Druminski as Ty, Patty Hagel as Maxie, and Pamela Plewa as Sister Myrtle Agnes round out the talented cast.
Director Jeff Stillman has acted in many farces at Avon Players in recent years (“Noises Off”, “Run for Your Wife”), but this is the first time he has directed one. His love of the genre has given him a keen understanding of how to maintain tightly paced craziness onstage and build the momentum over two acts. In the beginning of the first act, and at other times throughout the show, the cast could use some bigger energy to launch it beyond mere comedy, into the “farce” zone.
A farce calls for physical skill and impeccable comic timing from the entire cast. The relentless visual gags, slamming doors, pants around the ankles and absurd situations combined with a flamboyant acting style is a challenge for even the most experienced and professional theater company. Avon Players cheerfully meets the challenge and delivers a show that is really fun to watch and is sure to please.
Now through January 25, 2025
Tickets $28.00
Avon Playhouse
1185 Washington Rd
Rochester Hills, MI 48306
(248) 608-9077
www.avonplayers.org
Avon Players Theatre is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization
