New theater group does great job with slapstick

The humor is rowdy and bawdy, and you'll laugh until your face hurts.
By L. CROW
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
Some may say it's beginner's luck, but the real reason the Valley's newest theater company, Hop, Skip and Jump Productions, has been so successful in its first performance is more about hard work, determination, lots of high-powered energy and a generous helping of talent.
Owner and founder Kyle Snyder, along with his two cohorts, Kevin Wells and Ray Cerimeli, presented "The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged)" at the Oakland last weekend, treating the audience to some top-notch entertainment. This is a funny play to begin with, and the antics of these three clowns made it an absolute scream.
This is one of those plays that can really flop without proper direction, and a cast skilled in spontaneity, physical humor and breakneck speed. Snyder and his friends, however, rose to the task. By the end, everyone's face hurt from laughing.
The play is one of a series of slapstick comedies written by members of the Reduced Shakespeare Company and gives at least a mention to every book in the Bible, from beginning to end, starting with Genesis, where a naked Adam and Eve appeared, holding "censored" signs over publicly sensitive anatomical areas. This set the mood for what was to follow.
Actually, the humor was established prior to that, when Snyder's opening announcement reminded us to "turn off all cell phones, pagers and pacemakers." From then on, the rowdy, bawdy humor just got better and better.
The audience discovered all sorts of previously undiscovered "wisdom" in the Bible. For instance, "you better watch out, you better not cry ..." is actually an ancient proverb. And seekers consulted wise King Solomon for deeper meaning to life's questions, such as, "What is the difference between ignorance and apathy?" ("I don't know and I don't care.")
No matter what style of humor you enjoy, be it witty dialogue, outrageous nonsense or sprawling-on-the-floor slapstick, it was included. Even though the playwrights are all from the United States, they have become huge hits in London, because this style of writing is so very British (i.e., it has something to offend everyone).
One of the funniest skits was of David when he slew Goliath. The first act ended the stories from the Old Testament.
Act 2 retold stories from the New Testament, including the three kings bearing baseball gloves, and a really ugly Salome requesting the head of John the Baptist on a silver platter.
It was all meant in good fun. The audience never stopped laughing, and rose to a standing ovation at the end. The level of excellence of this novice troupe was impressive.
Hop, Skip and Jump Productions is currently looking for new venues, and would like to take "The Bible" on the road locally. Interested organizations can call (330) 853-7546, or go to hopskipandjumpproductions@yahoo.com.