Travels With My Aunt
Graham Greene (October 2, 1903-April 3, 1991) was a British author, playwright, and critic. People generally put his works in the mode of spy thrillers, but he also had a gift for writing comical novels too, which is well noted in Travels With My Aunt, playing at The Colony Theatre in Burbank. The novel has been adapted for the stage by Giles Havergal and directed by David Dean Bottrell.
Henry Pulling (Thomas James O'Leary), a meek retired bank manager, meets his Aunt Augusta (Mark Capri) for the first time when she shows up at the funeral of her sister, Henry's mother. Henry's only outside activity in his life has been raising dahlias, and he finds his aunt very interesting. They form a close relationship, and in his zest to learn about his past, Henry is convinced to travel with her.
From there, the play takes on a zany romp as O'Leary, Carpi and two other actors (Larry Cedar and Sybyl Walker) perform the roles of madcap characters along their journey from London and Brighton to Paris, Rome, Istanbul, Boulogne, Buenos Aires, and various locations in Paraguay. They quickly change characters, donning hats and other pieces of costumes, and all the while, as things move very quickly we meet up with some out-of-the ordinary characters.
Aunt Augusta is not above the law as she smuggles gold, and gets involved with drug dealers, but retains her energy, resilience, love of adventure and romance. When she settles down with Visconti, the love of her life, Henry returns to his home but finds life with his dahlias can't hold his interest anymore. After receiving a letter from his Aunt, he returns to her in South America and finds his own love.
It takes some getting used to seeing Aunt Augusta being performed by a man, but Mark Capri is very funny and adds to the hilarity of the likes of Larry Cedar who stands out in his many roles and dialects. Walker is also very adept at changing characters. O'Leary is perfect as the docile Henry.
The unusual scenic design which covers many a place and things, is by Michael C. Smith, while costumes that help evoke the characters are by Sherry Linnell.
Travels With My Aunt plays Thursdays and Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 3 PM and 8 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM, at the Colony Theatre, 555 North Third Street, in Burbank. It will continue through Sunday, December 18. (There will be no performances November 24 through the November 27.) Tickets are available by calling the theatre box office at (818) 558-7000, ext. 14, or by going online at www.ColonyTheatre.Org.