How The Other Half Loves
It's been a long time since we've seen a production of "How the
Other Half Loves" by Sir Alan Ayckbourn (England's beloved, world-
renowned playwright), which is currently playing at International
City Theatre. To tell the truth we were goosey about going.
As avid theater-buffs know, this award-winning British farce was
written over forty years ago, so it's pretty tame stuff compared to
outrageous comedy that explodes from contemporary culture.
In addition, Ayckbourn is known for his theatrical technique and
craftsmanship, specifically his ability to bend space and time. This
enables characters from different time-periods and locations to appear
onstage simultaneously; but it's no small feat to achieve. That places
the success of any Ayckbourn work squarely on the director.
Of course the cast must deliver the demands of British farce,
but it's the director who holds the reins and cracks the whip. If
he's good, the results can be uproarious; but if he isn't, you don't
want to be there.
So hats off and congratulations to savvy director Todd Nielsen and
ICT's sensational cast! We walked in with apprehension, but it was
quickly dispelled by this outstanding production.
The time is 1970's London. Waiting to greet us are three
serious larger-than-life couples from different levels of English
society, who race with stop-watch speed through hysterical
situations. Included are the nouveau riche Fosters (Frank and Fiona),
the middle-class Phillips (Bob and Teresa), and the hard-working
Detweilers (William and Mary).
The husbands all work for the same company. (Frank is the boss,
Bob is in his department, Will is moving up to join them.) Beyond
that, they have nothing at all in common, until a little white lie
turns their lives into a three-ring circus.
All the action takes place on Stephen Gifford's rose-colored set
which serves as the simultaneous living room for the tidy Fosters and
the messy Philips. That may be hard to believe, but it works.
Gregory North is an absolute hoot as Frank--a dotty, dithering,
self-satisfied, middle-aged man who resembles John Cleese. Equally
fabulous is DeeDee Rescher as Fiona--his blond, effervescent, bubble
-headed wife who sweetly treats him like a chump.
Everything begins when Fiona forgets their anniversary because
she's having a fling with Bob. When Frank asks where she was, Fiona
makes up an excuse about "having to comfort Mary, who is having
marital problems with Will. But shhhhhh, it's a secret, don't tell
anyone."
Meanwhile Bob and Teresa (in riotous portrayals by Jodi
Fleisher and Adam J.Smith) snarl at each other like cats and dogs.
She resents his being away so much, leaving her alone at home to care
for their infant; while he despises their untidy house, her lousy
cooking, and her hippy appearance.
Of course, shy mousy Mary (the delightful Erin Ann Williams) and
prissy, over-eager William (perfectly played by James May) are
unsuspecting by-standers who know nothing about the affair, let alone
being used as a cover-up. Until, that is, little things don't
seem to add up, and little doubts start to percolate.
Everything comes to a boil at the end of Act I. That's when all
three couples attend two separate dinner parties (one at the fancy
Foster residence, one at the bohemian Phillips) on two separate
nights. Since they're staged simultaneously around the same dinner
table, this pivotal scene becomes the hysterical highlight of the
show, one that sends the audience into uncontrollable laughter.
Misconceptions escalate throughout the second act. Then
when everything gets out of control, it settles down with another
clever Ayckbourn ending. So stop what you're doing right now and make
reservations. You can't afford to miss this delightful ICT production.
Call (562) 436-4610 or www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.
"How the Other Half Loves" plays at the ICT Center Theatre, 300 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach Performing Arts Center, on Thursday-Sunday through May 23.