Plans of a sinister, two-faced minister and his redneck associate the fact that the Once alone the fun really begins, as Charlie overhears more than he should-the evil So "Froggy," before departing, tells all assembled that Charlie is fromĪn exotic foreign country and speaks no English. Named Charlie who is overcome with fear at the thought of making conversation with This time "Froggy" has brought along a friend, a pathologically shy young man The scene is a fishing lodge in rural Georgia often visited by "Froggy" LeSueur, aīritish demolition expert who occasionally runs training sessions at a nearby armyīase. For tickets, or call 72.Larry Shue A comedy classic by Wisconsin's own Larry Shue. Through Nov.18 at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. With Sammie Joe Kinnett, Josh Robinson, Edith Weiss, Jessica Robblee, Zachary Andrews, Greg Ungar, Lance Rasmussen. It endures not because it’s a model of dry wit but because, through the goofiness of it all, there are genuine laughs and a true reflection of the ongoing battle between closed-mindedness and open-heartedness.Ĭomedy. The play veers into vaudeville shtick (an exchange about “how do you like your eggs?” goes on for awhile) but nobody said this was a subtle comedy. Their playful mirror imaging recalls Groucho and Harpo, or Harpo and Lucy, executed with precision. Kinnett’s pantomime scene with Rasmussen, in which Charlie pretends to follow Ellard’s example in eating breakfast, is a treat, smartly directed to afford views from all angles. Poor Ellard, who stands to inherit half the family fortune if he is deemed mentally capable, is ignored by everyone until Charlie arrives and begins to appreciate him.Ī rough character from town, Owen Musser (a suitably sinister Greg Ungar), injects his xenophobic feelings into the mix. David Marshall Lee (Zachary Andrews), and her dim-witted brother Ellard Simms (a rubbery Lance Rasmussen). Jessica Roblee is fetching as Catherine Simms, an heiress staying at the resort with her fiancee, the Rev. Weiss gives manic energy and a thick twang to the role. He delights with wacky balletic dance steps and nutty gibberish.Įdith Weiss is a comic gem as Betty Meeks, the sincerely caring widow and proprietor of the lodge. The show is a particular triumph for Kinnett who, through a mix of lithe physical antics, deft dialect work and spot on timing, brings the title character to life. He’s also depressed because his far-away wife is not only in the hospital but also for years has been happily adulterous. He is afraid of having to engage with the strangers at the resort. Sammie Joe Kinnett portrays Charlie Baker, a meek British proofreader who is painfully shy. Two Brits arrive and survey the foreign territory. Picture down-home, earthy if somewhat tacky Americana. Scenic designer Brian Mallgrave has created a convincing, multi-tiered rural Georgia fishing lodge. The audience is encouraged to draw parallels to current retrograde movements. Director Geoffrey Kent keeps the tight two acts running energetically as the characters, who at first risk falling into stereotype, are given depth. The play is beautifully cast in the lively production at the Arvada Center’s Black Box theater. While abundant silliness has the house laughing through most of the action, the point beams through:- The way you view The Other has a lot to do with how you see yourself. The serious undercurrent that anchors playwright Larry Shue’s enduring hit is a reminder that, in some quarters, not much has changed in the racist heart of America. “The Foreigner,” a fun and funny farce from the 1980s, just happens to have renewed relevance at the moment. Monday, May 22nd 2023 Home Page Close Menu
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