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The Post-Standard News
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May 2, 2003 Simon play fractures language The comedy "Fools" is well performed and directed by Appleseed Productions.
Suzanne M. Connelly, Contributing Writer "Fools," the current offering of Appleseed Productions, has the zany appeal of a fractured fairy tale. Neil Simon, master of comedy, melds laughter and edification in this little morality play. "Fools" is set in the hapless Ukrainian village of Kulyenchikov, and all of the Kulyenchikovites suffer under the same curse: Every inhabitant is terminally stupid and destined to remain so unless the curse can be lifted. Enter, of course, the optimistic schoolteacher Tolchinsky (Tom Ciancaglini), who hopes to lift the veil of ignorance and gain the hand of the winsome, if slow, Sophia (Megan Flanagan). The simple souls of Kulyenchikov yearn to be able to think and perhaps put a couple of thoughts together, so they can make decisions. They would also like to escape from the rule of the powerful and unpopular Count Yousekevitch (Mark Allen Holt). Ciancaglini is earnest and enthusiastic as Tolchinsky, with a refreshing, open delivery of his lines. He is nicely matched to Flanagan, who radiates sweetness to balance her dimwitted attempts to learn. Holt has fun playing the villain in a larger-than-life portrayal that matches his oversized, plumed hat. Simon portrays the villagers as charming dolts. In this place, "common sense is uncommon and reason unreasonable," so much of the dialogue is filled with malaprops and misunderstandings In a most delightful portrayal, Anne Fitzgerald is the dotty Lenya Zubritsky. She crosses her eyes, gazes vacantly and struggles with simple tasks such as clapping her hands or opening a door - the prototype for "dumber than a box of rocks." As her husband, Dr. Zubritsky, Tom Minion is just a step or two ahead. Something Something Snetsky, the shepherd who can't find his flock and can't remember his name, is played with goofy earnestness by Ted Limpert. Lois Haas is a fishmonger who sells flowers disguised as fish or umbrellas - a totally nonsensical touch. C.J. Young, as the butcher, and Greg Holtham, as the postman, add their own comic bits. Bryan Jones is the magistrate who rather ineptly announces the time, and Boris Breusky, the innkeeper, is played by the effervescent Dan Curtin. Director Greg Hipius has his tongue firmly planted in his cheek with his inclusive approach to the show. Young's set extends beyond the confines of the stage so that the room has a village feel. The audience spaces are used for exits and entrances, the villagers mingle among the theatergoers, and every sign in the place has a tortured misspelling. After all, this is a kahmedy buy Neil Simon й 2003 The Post-Standard. |
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