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Salem's 'Farce' has a flair for physical comedy
By ERIC MCCREA
SALEM
Salem Community Theatre began its season Friday with a hilarious production of “Unnecessary Farce.”
In two adjoining motel rooms, an undercover sting operation is underway. Officer Eric Sheridan (Carl Brockway) and Officer Billie Dwyer (Jordan Pitts) are eager to advance their careers by taking down Mayor Meekley (David Wack). With the help of accountant Karen Brown (Brandy Johanntges), they hope to get proof that the mayor has embezzled millions. However, this is a farce, and things are sure to go riotously wrong.
Director David El’Hatton has taken an average script by Paul Slade Smith and spun it into comedy gold. While most of the lines that elicit laughter are on the cheesy side, this excellent cast makes each one feel natural, and El’Hatton brilliantly weaves in a plethora of physical comedy.
In the hands of a lesser man, this show would have been a disaster, but instead we’re treated to flair akin to “Clue, The Movie.”
Anchoring the cast, Brockway has a great leading-man quality. He gives his character a subtle vulnerability that works well with the humor.
Johanntges makes acting look easy. She has an uncanny ability to embody the character and dialog so completely, it seems as though she’s not even acting. That’s something most actors strive for, and few actors achieve.
Pitts is an amazing character actor. She is ditzy, yet charming, lighting up the room every second she’s on stage. She’s especially impressive as a translator.
Playing the mayor’s security officer, Agent Frank, is the great Terry Shears. At times, he flies under the radar, giving great support to his fellow cast mates, but when it’s his time to shine, you need sunglasses. He straddles the fence between villain and hero, but where will he end up?
Craig Conrad is remarkable as Todd, the hit man with a thick Scottish brogue. His presence is intimidating, even in the silliest of garb. His accent is spot on and does not waiver the slightest. His dedication to dialect is admirable and creates some of the most side-splitting moments.
Wack fills the role of straight man in this show, creating some great jumping-off points for the entire company. His nature will remind you of your dear sweet grandfather one moment, and the next, he’ll surprise or shock you. He gives you the sense that he’s not quite on top of things, but don’t write him off just yet.
Playing the mayor’s wife, Mary Meekley, Julie Benner is a delight. Appearing late in the show, her only flaw is not having enough stage time. She also deserves credit for performing injured, after an opening night mishap, as does the rest of the cast, for making her reduced speed a great bit in the show.
If there was anything that could stand to be improved, it would be the sound effects. The few that were included were overenthusiastic, making you wonder from where they were supposed to be originating.
Overall, “Farce” was a success and a big recommendation for anyone seeking a calorie-burning night of laughter. Adult situations and language make it a good idea to leave the kids with a baby sitter.