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Youngstown Playhouse World premiere of local playwright’s ‘Foul Play’ could be hit anywhere
By Eric McCrea
Youngstown
The Youngstown Playhouse was packed Friday night for the world premiere of Terry Shears’ new work, “Foul Play.” A veteran of local stages, Shears tackles the play-within-a-play premise with a hilarious perspective.
“Foul Play” centers around Maggie Lang, played by Molly Galano and Don Atherton, played by Tom O’Donnell, as they prepare for opening night of the Smokestack Players’ latest production. They pair as well as oil and vinegar, to the dismay of Lou Mangino (Kage Jonas Coven) their eccentric director. Crew members Donna Lewis (Rachel Franek) and Lucius Clinkscale (Timothy R. Thomas) are stressed as well, trying to keep up with the demands of the “talent” and wrangling the hyperactive children cast members. With only minutes to go before curtain, Lou gathers his cast for a motivational speech, which backfires. The speech somehow brings the main characters to life, causing the lead actors to struggle for freedom.
Galano excels in this role. She’s amazing to watch; she’s able to fill minutes of time without saying a word. She has three distinct looks in this show, highlighting her chameleonic ability.
O’Donnell shows off his chops in “Foul.” His ability to repeatedly switch characters is astonishing, keeping his accents clearly differentiated. His knack for physical comedy also is given a chance to shine.
Coven is amazingly quirky. His intensity at times feels like a shield, but he’s not afraid to let it down to be vulnerable.
The script is a bit thin for Franek and Thomas at the beginning, giving them little to sink their teeth into, but once their roles gain momentum, they’re unstoppable. The pair are especially uproarious as “techies on stage,” something I’ve always wanted to see.
Also worthy of note, in this impressively cast show, were Miranda Canacci and Mitchell Myers as hormonal teenagers Jennifer Rinehart and Steve Yokum. Canacci is a perfect fit, bringing just the right amount of sweet innocence to the production. Myers is so convincing at being awkward, that he’s almost grating, but there are moments that show he’s got what it takes.
Plays are rarely perfect right out of the gate, but this one comes pretty close. Great dialogue kept the show moving and kept the audience laughing. The story is unpredictable and avoids being too “insider” for a nonthespian to enjoy.
A few aspects might benefit from some minor work, however. The set up to the split-personality actors is a bit rushed and confusing, but turns into a great way to showcase the skills of Galano and O’Donnell. Lou Gambino gets the last laugh, but there isn’t enough focus on the character in the first act for this to make sense.
As it is, this show has the potential to play anywhere in the country, and is sure to be a hit here in Youngstown.
“Foul Play” runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and at 2:30 p.m. today and next Sunday. For reservations call The Youngstown Playhouse at 330-788-8739.