FALL RIVER -- The
Little Theatre of Fall River's production of "Murder at the Howard Johnson's" is
a rollicking good time, a merry romp of laughter and outrageous situations
brought vividly to life by a saucy and winning cast. The Ron Clark and Sam
Bobrick comedy is set at a Howard Johnson's, with the action taking place over
three evenings. It begins when Arlene and her lover (and dentist) Mitchell
decide to murder Arlene's husband if he refuses to give her a divorce. Not surprisingly, this
cockeyed plan goes quickly awry and the laughs follow in rapid succession.
Without revealing this wacky plot, let's just say that this first attempt at
murder is only the beginning for even more outrageous behavior along the way.
Dee Kullander
is Arlene, a woman tormented by too many decisions and too many choices, and
more than willing to choose all of them at the same time. Ms. Kullander is
riotously funny as she glides from mood to mood, each time with a new demeanor
and purpose and dogged determination. Ms. Kullander makes Arlene's tormented
quest for truth and liberation a roller coaster ride of laughs that gets funnier
by the moment.
Jeff Belanger is hilarious as Mitchell. As the suave (so he thinks) and learned
professional, the desire of all his patients, Mr. Belanger packs laughs back to
back as he writhes through his torment with impeccable comic timing. Mr.
Belanger plays the role with flair and sass, strutting about with an air of
arrogant confidence as the dentist who is an expert on everything, including
murder. Ted
Higginson is the epitome of wry, dry humor as Paul, Arlene's drab but pragmatic
husband. Mr. Higginson is always the picture of composure, no matter what the
circumstances. He is matter-of-fact and poised for each new absurdity with a
knowing acceptance that is relentlessly funny. Ralph Martin directs
the comedy with a keen eye for pacing and a solid understanding of how to make
the outrageous appear not only plausible, but fun. Mr. Martin keeps this merry
romp always on target, played with ease and determination. Ms. Kullander's set
decoration and the costumes by Fran Petisca and cast add flair and authenticity
to the goings-on. "Murder at the Howard
Johnson's" is fun summer fare, a bright and breezy comedy that rolls merrily
along. It will
be presented again at the Firebarn in Fall River at 8 p.m. Thursday through
Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday. The box office number is (508) 675-1852.
| -Top- | -Home- | -Digest- | -Index- | -Staff- |  |
|
| |||||