
David Weiner (the Waiter) and Charles Guitron (playwright Leo Davis) in a lighthearted moment!
Upon learning that the auditor is going to quickly discover the huge deficit and financial deception, Miller initially decides to skip out, leaving his brother-in-law holding the bag. Almost within the next breath, Miller’s associate, Christine Marlowe (Laura Martin-Chapin), charges into the room announcing that she has finally found a financial backer for the show, a very well-known and wealthy individual. Somehow, the mottely theatrical crew has to remain in the hotel for at least 24 hours in order to pull off the deception of being very successful for the benefit of the potential backer, at least until he signs a contract. At the same time the theater company has to avoid the eviction and wrath of the auditor who will soon be on the war path.
As if this is not convoluted enough, the neophyte author of the play, Leo Davis, shows up at the hotel, seeking the next installment of the previously promised advance. Unable to pay the monies due the author, Miller convinces Davis (Charles Guitron) that it would be to his advantage to just hang out here in the hotel, “as Miller’s guest”, until the investor/backer comes and meets all of the principals, including the author.
The play continues to get wilder and wackier by the minute as an ever evolving cast of 16 characters are introduced in various supporting, albeit convoluted roles. I knew you were going to ask, yes, there is a love interest as the very attractive and young manager’s secretary, Hilda Manney (Giuliana Karezis), runs into Leo Davis, and faster than the flash of a zippo lighter, they immediately fall head over heels in love!
As you can probably guess, “Room Service “ is a totally madcap, mile-a-minute, door slamming, head banging play that is a perfect vehicle for the likes of the Marx Brothers or any other erstwhile comedic troupe of actors willing to participate in such absolute dumb fun. Dumb fun it is – – – and other than a few missed lines, gaps in timing and typical community theater faux paux, it is an absolute kick in the comedic pants. The acting for the most part is quite acceptable and several of the more experienced actors are really quite good. Regular admission is $16 for adults other than seniors and children, who pay only $8 per ticket. For seniors, that’s only 50 cents per actor, what a deal! I’m only kidding of course. It is a heck of a deal, a heck of lot of fun and it runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m., with the Sunday, August 5th performance at 4 p.m. and the Thursday, August 9th play at 8 p.m., closing on August 11th. The seating is the old fashioned wood benches on tiered stones on a hillside, amphitheater seating, so I would recommend you bring a folding lawn, beach chair or healthy cushions and dress in layers. If the fog rolls in over the Orinda hills, it can get downright chilly. The Orinda Outdoor Theatre is located in the Orinda Community Center Park, next to the library at 26 Orinda Way, across the street from the Rite Aid Pharmacy and the Orinda Post Office. Call (925) 528-9225 or visit their web site athttp://www.orsvp.org/ or you can email them at info@orsvp.org.
I love amateur, Community Theater, especially being able to meet and greet the hard working actors after the show, as they wait at the stage door to share their excitement and joy with you. I have always loved and supported the Orinda Outdoor Starlight Theater which has no community funding, they do everything out of their love of theater and their desire to share their experience of acting with you! Try it, you may like it!