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Salem theater’s ‘Fox’ is a fast-paced farce
IF YOU GO
What: “The Fox on the Fairway”
Where: Salem Community Theatre, 490 E. State St., Salem
When: Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Reservations: Call 330-332-9688
By Eric McCrea
You don’t have to be a fan of golf to enjoy “The Fox on the Fairway,” an energetic golf comedy that opened Friday at Salem Community Theatre. The production is a blur of fast-paced action, quick humor, and tangled mismatched spouses.
True to the school of farce, this story stretches the limits of complication all over the sport of golf.
The Quail Valley country club is gearing up for its annual tournament when its rival steals their best golfer.
After making a foolish wager that could ruin his marriage, club president enry Bingham (David Wack) is desperate to find a replacement. He discovers that his new assistant ,Justin Hicks (Dan Haueter), is quite an amazing golfer and a sure bet to win. However, the plan goes awry when Hicks’ new fiancee Louise Heindbedder, played by Jordan Pitts, causes him to have a minor meltdown.
Just when you think things couldn’t get any worse, the Quail Valley ringer suffers a tragic golf injury, jeopardizing the entire match. Unless they can find a replacement by the end of the rain delay, the whole gang will be sunk. Luckily, the solution was right in front of them, all along.
Like any good farce, “Fox” involves plenty of frantic entrances and exits, taking full advantage of the set’s many doors. Director Bill Finley skillfully kept his cast racing all the way through an incredibly creative curtain call. His command of the material and attention to detail are impressive. He also serves as the club’s announcer.
While the story takes its time to get rolling, Haueter gets the audience roaring before long. He has a knack for physical comedy, which is a necessity in any comedy of misunderstandings.
After the entrance of Ruth Newman who plays Muriel Bingham, the ensemble finally feels complete and rounded out. Her militant aggression and under-appreciated vulnerability are reminiscent of Eileen Brennan. Of all the characters who wield the golf club in this play, she does it best by far.
As Henry’s nemesis Dickie Bell, Dick Haldi is mischievous and conniving. He and Wack are a pair of grumpy old men that are the driving force behind this plot.
Karen Hauck-Losito is enticing as Quail Valley employee and vixen Pamela Peabody. She’s hilarious after drinking too much champagne and her timing is spot on.
Pitts is delightful and plays her role with just a touch of ditzy blond. Louise has some of the best plot twists in the show, and she is easily one of my favorite characters.
There were a few glitches, however. The set changes were a bit drawn out, and a few lines were noticeably flubbed. The use of a telephone in the story contributed to a few bumpy sound cues. But overall the performance went well.
I’d recommend this show to anyone interested in a lighthearted evening about some serious competition pros and amateurs alike.