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The Post-Standard News
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May 17, 2006 'Romantics' sure to delight Joan Vadeboncoeur, Entertainment Columnist "The Antics of Romantics," which mixes interactive theater with improvisation and commedia dell'arte, proves to be a delight in the hands of several of the actors in the Appleseed Productions mounting. Matters never are out of control, although the threat of that occurring lurks throughout as it unveils the tale of a money- and power-hungry widow, her eligible daughter, a wealthy ship captain and two poor, food-hungry travelers. Conniving servants also play significant parts in the farcical shenanigans. The plot is standard for commedia dell'arte. Widow seeks rich husband for her daughter, who is celebrating her 16th birthday as the fun begins. Daughter wants love, not money. One of the travelers catches her eye, but mom is ready to marry her off to the captain. The servants do their best to arrange the affairs to suit the young people without the mother discovering. And, of course, it turns out that the captain is, as the characters discover, akin to a crew member in "The Pirates of Penzance," while the low-born traveler actually is a nobleman. It is really no secret, since the story is as old as the hills in Central New York. The interactive aspect seems remarkable since two of the principal roles are filled by audience members. Despite assurances they are genuinely spectators recruited on the spur of the moment, it seems likely that they have been rehearsed at some point. Others in walk-on parts need no coaching and are brought up from their seats. Jeff Wirth's work also recruits theatergoers to do the wave, sing a happy-birthday song, form a card section that spells out the daughter's name and even get a dusting in the face as servants clean for the birthday ball. Most impressive are Mark Allen Holt as the mother's principal servant and Brian Hensley as the servant to the ill-kempt traveler. Slightly behind is Binaifer Dabu as the meddling, grasping mom. Each proves capable of improv, no matter what curves are thrown. The humor is pretty hokey and begs for laughter from the fact the daughter at the Sunday matinee was a gray-haired woman who hardly looked 16. One of the gags that begged for chuckles was the fact the captain was proclaimed "The King of Solvay." Director Greg J. Hipius schooled his cast well, preparing them to conquer any obstacles thrown in their way. Copyright © 2006 The Post-Standard. |
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