Nearly naked knees collide beneath the covers as cops and bad guys wrestle repeatedly on a motel bed. Lovers, doughnuts and bagpipes are involved too! The comedy is nonstop in this play by Paul Smith Slade. Our Stage Hands are acknowledged masters of the dinner show format and have only extended their claim to mastery with this presentation of “Unnecessary Farce.”
The play begins with Steven Howard and Brenna Langley onstage preparing a sting operation. Howard portrays a conflicted and ultimately lovelorn cop with great dignity despite the undignified happenings surrounding him. His partner, Brenna, plays a ditzy, novice officer. She delivers rimshot lines with precise timing and her “bagpipe monologue” in the second act is a comedic tour de force. They are soon joined by Rebecca Hand, playing a staid accountant. Rebecca bravely stays in character through multiple wardrobe malfunctions and after being smitten by love, literally—enough said.
Veteran actor Frank Girard enters as the mayor’s security guard. He is a playwright’s great friend, getting the best out of every line and establishing a great comedic rhythm for the ensemble cast. Andrew Niederbrach plays the supposedly corrupt mayor with smooth grace. Many of his entries require him to be shocked (justifiably so!) by the antics of the other players. His timing and facial expressions are perfect.
Jim Stuerke (disclosure: I can’t help smiling whenever I see him coming) plays a Scottish hitman who serenades his victims so they are happy before they are kilt. From glower to glare to abject weeping, his performance is a classic. Cris Mckee plays Mary Meekly, the mayor’s wife. She’s just a politician’s modest spouse, or is she something more? There’s a twist at the end of this one and her performance is its key.
This is an intricate production, including a complex set, furious action and hair trigger timing. I applaud the work of Director Cathy Frazier and Production Manager Jeff Hinderscheid and all the backstage crew. Their efforts and expertise enable the actors to present great entertainment and stay safe while doing so. There is no more difficult stage art to create than physical comedy. They have accomplished it admirably.
Allow me to say something about the Off Broadway Theater, a large and comfy space. It’s a new venue and, though now employed for activities far from its original designed purpose, is well suited to our Stage Hands’ dinner show format.
The Knights of Columbus cater for this show and begin the evening by offering a savory supper featuring their acclaimed barbecued chicken, potatoes gratinée, broccoli, salad and garlic bread. Audience members may enjoy drinks from their no-host bar.
“Unnecessary Farce” is a most necessary addition to your entertainment agenda! Catch performances on Friday, Aug. 15, or Saturday, Aug. 16. Doors at the Off Broadway Theater (740 First St. in King City) open at 5:30 p.m. Supper is served at six and the show commences at seven. Call ahead for tickets—831-210-4903.
Content warning: there is gratuitous bagpipe fondling in this production, though (thankfully!) nary a squeak is heard.
