ON CT & NY THEATRE

By Marlene S. Gaylinn CT Critics Circle / ctcritics.org THE SHOW-OFF OVERTAKES WESTPORT PLAYHOUSE Everyone has at least one eccentric member of the family who craves unlimited attention. Most people can accept a certain amount of clowning and showing-off, but when someone acts like a spoiled child, brags, lies, and constantly monopolizes family-life, these antics can become a real annoyance. At Westport Country Playhouse, Aubrey Piper (Will Rogers) is such an obnoxious show off you may visualize yourself running onstage and ringing his neck. However, we are now enlightened that such a person is probably sick. Since George Kelly wrote this play in 1924, science has discovered that chronic exhibitionism can be considered a personality disorder and such social deficiencies are not to be made fun of -- it encourages bullying. Regardless, of our present ethics, in The ShowOff we are invited to experience a 1920s comedy of manners. The simple plot with an unexpected twist is about a boasting liar who suddenly invades the Fisher family in order to steal its youngest, spoiled daughter, Amy (Clea Alsip). It is also about a testing of wills and has something to say about capitalism and free enterprise. If you allow yourself to accept the mannerisms and mentality of this Era, you may see your own family through the playwrights clever use of characters, sharp dialog and farce. Which simply goes to show that today, we havent change very much since this play was written. Thus, we are ushered into an upper middle-class turn of the century living room designed, by Alexander Doge. The impressive set features wooden ceiling beams, a staircase and an June/2013 entrance foyer in the background. Antique lamps and dishes decorate the main living areas in the foreground and we can hear the showoffs boasting to Amy and only imagine what the giggling is all about behind the closed doors at the side. Most of the action takes place at a table in front of a central, massive fireplace. Heres where Mrs. Fisher, magnificently portrayed by Jayne Houdyshell, tries to reign over her unmarried daughter and put Aubrey in his place. Meantime, Mr. Fisher (Adam LeFevre) mainly wants to relax after a days work, smoke his pipe, and read his paper sound familiar? The couple also has a single son, Joe, who is an inventor (Karl Olson), and a daughter (Mia Barron) married to freewheeling husband Frank (Robert Eli) these secondary characters serve to move the plot towards its finale hurrah! Im not letting on -- in order to see who triumphs, you must see this amusing, three-act play, which is well acted and directed by Nicholas Martin. He was a 2013 Tony Award nominee for the current Broadway hit, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Plays to June 29 Tickets: 203 227-4177

AS YOU LIKE IT Takes Center Stage After all the rain outs, it was a perfect evening when we attended Shakespeare on the Sounds As You Like It at Norwalks Pickney Park on June 19th. Even the full moon cooperated brightly on cue. The theatre in the rounds grassy setting set the natural scene. The central wooden platform, designed by Brian Prather, focused attention on the actors and the parks ancient trees stimulated our imagination of Arden forest a sanctuary where the plays

central characters wander, meet, reconcile their differences, and fall in love. This is one of Shakespeares more convoluted, long-winded comedies and like his fairytale, A Midsummer Nights Dream, several sets of lovers woo, win and finally marry and thats all you really need to know. Director Claire Kelly, who has been with this group for the past three years, lightens up the production by making sure theres something here for everyone to enjoy. Without detracting from the play, adults in the audience are recruited to interact with the actors and appointed children eagerly schlep the travelers luggage up the parks steepest hillside and through the woods. Shakespeare must have been greatly influenced by Queen Elizabeth, one Englands most powerful rulers, because many of his plays feature strong women. Although the play begins slowly, it picks up momentum during the Second Act when Katie Wieland, who plays Rosalind, disguises herself as a man and wanders through the woods with her entourage. She actually looks and acts better in mens clothing as she meets up with her handsome, love interest, co-star Orlando (Chris Chafari) and gives him man to man tips on how to make love. Chafari is an equally believable actor and the pair play-off each other quite nicely. Other outstanding cast members are Medina Senchore Celia, and David Gautschy who is the clowning Touchstone. Tom Pecinka, as Jacques has one of the most significant soliloquies in Shakespeares repertory. He uses his whole body when reciting the profound All the Worlds A Stage and all the men and women merely players This is a professional production. Some of the most melodious music you will ever hear set to Shakespeares lyrics, is composed by Brien Feinstein. The play, performed in modern dress, takes place in a tropical setting where the actors dance, sing, and strum Calypso music. Drop by the educational tent and pick up a study guide. There is a food concession and a small shop bring money.

Plays to June 30 Free: Bring chairs, blankets and sweaters