Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Theater Review: My Favorite Animal

By Mark-Brian Sonna of MBS Productions

Tom Sime, a local playwright has concocted a delightful play. My Favorite Animal is a throwback to the parlor comedies of long ago. Of course, this is the 21st century, so houses no longer have a parlor. In this placem, a therapist’s office serves as the drawing room in which the comedy of manners, innuendo, mixed-up identities, and misunderstandings occur. Of course set in the present, it is much more adult.

The premise is simple. Jerry, a so-so therapist is visited by Randi, a knock-em-dead looker of a woman with a unique problem: She was a man two weeks ago. No, she didn’t have a sex change, she simply wondered and inadvertently wished to be a woman for a week, and voila, it happened. Except that it’s been two weeks and she hasn’t changed back. Because she simply showed up at his office without an appointment her impromptu session is interrupted by Jerry’s mom, Gail. Shortly thereafter this visit is interrupted by Devin, a man who has fallen madly in love with Randi and is now stalking her. Shortly thereafter, the next person added into the scene is Herman, the security guard who is checking in on this late night session who also happens to be one of Jerry’s patients. Hilarity abounds as each character reveals to each other their secrets in what ends up becoming a very twisted group therapy session.

My Favorite Animal

By injecting a bit of magical realism into the story, Mr. Sime has created a play that allows the characters to make observations about modern life and not once does it ever seem like the discussions or dialogues are forced. Some of the subjects discussed? Who really advertises on Craigslist, the trends in drinking beers from odd origins (like the Philippines), the nature of having secret and illicit affairs, etc.

Josh Hepola as the therapist Jerry is the “straight man” in this group, though we begin to question his true ‘straightness’; his performance is spot on. Off of him bounce Randi, sensationally played by Trista Wyly, Gail, played by luminous Sylvia Luedtke, Herman, uproariously portrayed by Shane Strawbridge, and Devin, who exudes a dangerous sexuality. All these characters create a potent cocktail of laughs. Billy Tressel, a character that appears in the second act is played quite well by Steven-Shayle Rhodes. And while Billy has some funny moments, he doesn’t quit gel as well in the play, he seems like an add-on. The part is small so it really isn’t a detriment. If Mr. Sime chooses to rework the play he might find another way to incorporate him better or do without him. This is really a minor quibble, the play works as is.

The set and costuming truly reflected the nature of the characters, and the fact that it is set in Dallas is definitely an appeal. The play has a big city southern feel to it which was nice to see on stage. Frequently playwrights try to simply make their plays feel generically urban. This is a definite Dallas play. The only technical issue I had with the set was the unusual use of lighting. A couple of times lights shifted and changed and though they happened at dramatic moments, they felt a little overwrought and created slight confusion.

It’s nice to see such a solid play by this relatively new playwright. I can see this being performed at other theatres. Is it a great transcendental play? No. But it is a most enjoyable play well worth its price of admission. And sometimes it’s just fine to have a play that is purely fun. Neil Simon and Noel Coward wrote many a successful comedy with this in mind.

Kudos, Tom Sime.

My Favorite Animal runs through Sunday, August 24 and tickets can be purchased online or by calling 1-800-595-4849.

Pegasus News content partner - MBS Productions

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