The Reviews are In

It’s Only a Play – Pride Films and Plays 

 

A playwright, a critic, a director, a producer, a couple of actors and a coatcheck boy all walk into a room together, and…wait…This sounds like the opening of a joke. And that’s just exactly what it is. It’s the premise of Terrence McNally’s joke-filled comedy that’s set in the world of professional theatre. The play opened Off-Off-Broadway in 1982. Then the play was revived Off Broadway in 1986. Later McNally revised his script and it finally opened on Broadway in 2014. Despite the fact that the production featured a star-studded cast, it wasn’t all that well received by the critics. The production was scheduled to be a limited engagement, but, due to popular demand, it was extended more than once. This new production by Pride Films & Plays features its own star-studded cast of Chicago talent and, much like the Broadway version, is a laugh riot.

The slim plot revolves around the opening night of a brand new play entitled “The Golden Egg.” First-time Broadway producer, Julia Budder, is hosting a colossal party for the cast, crew and all of entertainment world’s A-list celebrities. The action is set in the upstairs bedroom of Julia’s plush, 5th Avenue penthouse, but below the party rages on. Gus, a fanboy and aspiring actor, has been hired to greet the guests and take their coats up to the bedroom. Every time the doorbell rings a new pack of guests drops in, providing yet another sight gag with their unseen arrival.

 Julia is eventually joined in her bedroom by everyone connected with the new play, each of whom is soon wallowing in his own insecurities. James Wicker, an apprehensive actor, who’s connected in some way to everyone involved in the new play, turned down the leading role to do a TV series. James is joined by his longtime friend, the nervous playwright of “The Golden Egg,” Peter Austin. Peter’s hurt that James chose material rewards over doing art. Soon the play’s flamboyant British director, Frank Finger, joins the upstairs party. Frank claims he’s bored being so successful as the theatre world’s directorial wunderkind and would relish being associated with a bomb. 

Virginia Noyes, an aging, unstable actress, is the play’s leading lady. The ever-inebriated Ms. Noyes arrives at the party with a purse full of drugs and an ankle monitor strapped to her leg. Critic Ira Drew turns up, like a lawyer chasing an ambulance, to witness the reactions of the cast to Ben Brantley’s all-important review in the New York Times. Ira is touchy about the reactions to his past, scathing theatre reviews and, interestingly enough, he’s also secretly a playwright. The final participant in this second story soiree is Gus, a young, enthusiastic wannabe actor. He had only arrived in the Big Apple that day, but while strolling through Times Square, he was hired to schlep coats at Julia Budder’s swanky cast party. It’s through this kid’s eyes and ears that McNally spins a story of damaged egos and eternal hope along the Great White Way.

Jon Martinez has performed theatre magic with this production. There’s nothing subtle or understated in this play and Martinez draws out every ounce of McNally’s comedy. His talent as a choreographer comes into play as he orchestrates this gifted cast of actors, staging his production almost like a dance. He makes great use of Rachel Rauscher’s plush, yet intimate scenic design. Blake Cordell’s sound palette adds detail and humor to the goings-on at Julia’s party, including crowd noise from downstairs and the continual barking of a rabid dog, that’s been sequestered in the bedroom ensuite. Sanja Manakoski adds another element of comedy and couture to each character with her stylish costumes, and Jimmy Jagos makes sure that there’s plenty of party ware and other props for each actor.

The cast of this fast-paced, laugh-a-minute farce is individually and collectively topnotch. Each actor is certainly deserving of the standing ovation he receives at the end of this highly entertaining piece of theatre. William Marquez is wonderful as handsome, leading man James Wicker. Very nimbly, Marquez keeps all the balls in the air and all the proceedings in motion. His friendly affiliation with all the other characters makes him the perfect guide through this theatrical wonderland. Amiable and attractive Christopher Young, as Gus, makes a great foil for all these fictional celebrities. He bubbles over with just the right balance of joy, earnestness and fanaticism, helping bring a bright note to the sadness with some show tunes.

As the Vera Charles of Mr. McNally’s play, Sarah Hayes portrayal of Virginia Noyes proves that this musical actress is also an incomparable comedienne. Ms. Hayes’ interpretive dance moves, sparked by the monitoring device attached to her ankle, is just one priceless piece of slapstick that must be seen to be appreciated. Marika Mashburn is sweet and sincere as Julia Budder, a wealthy, first-time producer who adores her new theatre career. Cody Jolly, playing Frank Finger, is as loud and over-the-top as his flashy fashion sense. Kevin Webb, as playwright Peter Austin, tries valiantly to hide his character’s opening night jitters, but he eventually gives in when the first reviews being pouring in. And two-time Jeff Award-winner, Jeremy Trager, who’s one of Chicago’s finest musical and dramatic actors, proves he’s equally adept at comedy. He portrays a somewhat sadistic theatrical critic who would like nothing more than to be the next Neil Simon hailed on Broadway.

This is an infectious, uproariously funny comedy that will charm every audience member. If you also happen to be a theatre aficionado, with even the slightest familiarity with what and who is playing on Broadway these days, the hilarity becomes almost uncontrollable. My advice: bring a tank of oxygen, because you just may find yourself breathless from laughing. This is one of Pride Films & Plays’ finest, funniest offerings, and a phenomenally produced, professionally acted showbiz farce. Don’t miss it!

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas  

             

Presented October 17-November 11 by Pride Films & Plays at The Broadway, 4139 N. Broadway, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 866-811-4111 or 773-857-0222 or by going to www.pridefilmsandplays.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.