The Hope Jones Wooton trio of authors has redesigned their crazy quilt of convoluted, formulaic, groaner jokes and sight gags. This cast was challenged by losing two previous actresses cast as the offended young wife, Jenna, to health issues. Kudos to Erin Barger who stepped in with only a week and a half of rehearsals and did a great job. These “roll-backs” to fold a new actress into the mix challenged the rest of the cast’s time to develop that ridiculous momentum necessary to keep us from thinking too much between jokes — but that momentum is mostly there, souped up with a good dose of hysterical energy, and will only get better throughout the run.
Wanelle and D. Gene Wilburn (Angela Dill and Chris Goeckel) own the “Reel ‘Em Inn” fishing lodge in the Ozarks. They are dealing with hubby’s yen for fishing and scratching and wife’s addiction to caffeine — not to mention dealing with their guests: an offensively sanctimonious celebrity talk-show-host Jock McNair (the excellent James Houska) who is being stalked by his estranged, menopausal wife, Barb (the all-purpose Jean Burk) - and endearingly bewildered guest Huddle Fisk (Bob Robinson) looking for adventure—not to mention a barn full of nuns, only one of whom appears onstage: the intimidating Sister Myrtle Agnes (Diana Lett.)
Cop sister Jan Ross adds her wisecracks and guns, pursuing an axe-murderer-on-the-loose, and sporting a remarkable “undercover” costume in act two. Sean McKeon is adorable as Jenna’s community-theatre-addicted husband, Ty, understudying many roles and making punch-line entrances in several fun costumes. Kudos to costumer Susan DeRosa.
Kudos also to Bob Gehrls (set design/construction) and Linda Granger, Christina Clark-Cassady and Evon Anderson for all the “lodge-y” decor and props. Sound Designer Darryl Schmitz also added appropriately corny effects, aided by lighting design (Jim Lorenz/Philip Benedict).
Farce of Habit continues through November 5
Friday and Saturday: Lobby Box office opens at 6 pm. Dining Room opens at 6:30 pm.
Dinner 6:30 – 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday. Show begins at 7:30 pm.
Dessert Sunday matinee: Lobby Box office opens at 1:00 pm, Desserts are served at 1:30 pm. Show begins at 2 pm.
Waverly East Cafetorium located at 3131 W. Michigan Ave. Lansing, 48917.
RESERVATIONS: Dinner and Dessert reservations are required 3 days before the show. Please call 517 599-2779
Dinner Regular $36. Seniors (62+) and Students (13-22) $33. Children 12 and under $20.
SHOW ONLY: Regular $15. Seniors (62+) and Students (13-22) $14. Children 12 and under $13.
VISA and Master Card accepted
72 hour notice required by phone (517.599.2779) to receive a refund.
http://www.starlightdinnertheatre.com