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Victorian cast is a natural for fast-paced hit
By Eric McCrea
YOUNGSTOWN
The Victorian Players kicked off their season last weekend true to form with the wildly successful 1892 Brandon Thomas farce “Charley’s Aunt.”
The comedy revolves around two young Oxford University students – Jack Chesney (Hunter Thomas) and Charley Wyckham (Stephen Kountz) – who are madly in love, and desperately want to express their feelings to the lovely ladies they adore.
However, being entirely inappropriate to spend time with a lass without a chaperone, it’s quite difficult to convey their marital intentions one-on-one. A luncheon seems to be the perfect opportunity, as lo and behold, Charley is expecting a visit from his benefactor aunt, whom he’s never met. She hails from Brazil, where the nuts are from. But in this farce, the nuts are from England, too.
To entertain his widowed aunt, Charley and Jack decide to include their college mate in the party, but a telegram almost derails the entire plan. Luckily, Lord Babberly, played by Derek Steyer (who is a newsman for 21 WFMJ-TV), saves the day with his theatrical skills and becomes a cross-dressed chaperone.
As things become even more complicated, the action and misunderstandings multiply.
Director Christopher Haddock has a knack for fast-paced mayhem, and he has the right cast to pull it off.
Kountz, Thomas and Steyer have a talent for slapstick, at times being the embodiment of Three Stooges physical comedy. Most impressive is their ability to do so much in the limited space of the Victorian stage. They keep the story moving along with ease. Steyer, in particular, shows great skill, as he switches from aunt to college mate seamlessly.
As Jack’s father Sir Francis Chesney, C. Richard Haldi is a sweet and endearing widower, focusing on the son’s future. He’s a perfect fit in the role of a man with mostly pure intentions.
Mike Brady plays the role of Stephen Spettigue, a role which serves as the obstacle to overcome. He fits the bill as the dry, straight man, but is at times somewhat bland.
Selena Phillips as Miss Kitty Verdun and Elaine Huncik as Miss Amy Spettigue are terrific as the prim and proper young ladies, eventually joined by Ela Delahay, played by Morgan LaCamera, who is a vision of Victorian grace.
Gerri Jenkins fills her role with ease. As Donna Lucia d’Alvadorez, she is sneaky yet wise. Playing along with the entire charade is an act of kindness on her part, and it also prevents the play from ending in the first act. She has some fun on her own, and effortlessly guides the audience through a maze of characters.
Where everyone else is silly and haphazard, Bill Finley is on point. Crisp and deliberate as the footman Brassert, he’s the character you will relate to most. He handles his duties with a level of subtext that shows experience and professionalism.
While this play is more than a century old, many of its elements will be familiar, as they have influenced many films and television shows. It’s a most entertaining history lesson for those who consider themselves connoisseurs of the performing arts.
“Charley’s Aunt” will be performed Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The theater is at 702 Mahoning Ave. For reservations, call 330-746-5455.