A small amateur theater group is on the short end of its financial balance sheet. In order to save money, the troupe decides to do an original script, “Murder Most Foul” by local playwright Phyllis Montague (Ruthann Proch) to sidestep the royalty issue.
In the first act, the cast is still struggling with their lines four days before opening night. They try their best to adjust to the constant flow of changes proffered by Montague. The result is a series of jibes and one liners between the players which garners a few laughs, but sounds much like bickering.
The second act is dress rehearsal and the confusion reigns. Since sections of the play are repeated, the audience is beginning to know the lines better than the play actors. It is the perfect set up for Act Three, opening night, where the flubbing, stumbling actors are coached and prompted by their counterparts and the audience laughter mounts.
Top honors for messing up the lines (part of the script) goes to Brandy Warren.
Villagers Ken Hoffmann (Saul), Bruce Greenberger (Henry), Sandy Snow (Violet), and Jean LaVelle (Stage Manager) have roles. Locals John Turcotte (Director Jerry), Jennifer Graves (Polly), Shayne Mills (Billy), and Laney Clark, (Set Builder, Sound Man) round out the playbill.
Projection is excellent. You will not miss a word since most of the action is played well downstage. Stage Manager and sound effects are spotted downstage left correctly in dim lighting.
“Play On!” by Rick Abbot can be seen weekends at The Melon Patch Theater in Leesburg just a short ride south of The Villages. It runs through Sept. 27. For reservations call 787-3013. Other information can be found on www.melonpatchplayers.com.
Villager Jack Petro reviews local theater for Villages-News.com