Theatre Talk: Lucky Stiff

Elizabeth Youngman-Westphal

Special to The Village News

When an improbable plot merges with a ridiculous circumstance, you can bet "Something Funny's Going On."

Accompanied by the melodious stylings of musical director Terry O'Donnell, bored British shoe salesman Harry Witherspoon (Cody Ingram) trudges back to his rented room on another Friday night wishing for life to change.

His boring life takes a screwball trajectory when an American uncle leaves him $6 million in his will. Of course, there is a caveat.

Madness and mayhem ensue as director Kathy Brombacher sends this wonky cast of miscreants from England to New Jersey to Monte Carlo, chasing Harry's inheritance in "Lucky Stiff."

Playing multiple characters, this hard-working ensemble cast sings their way through a convoluted plot. Leading the way through this musical farce is actress Kelly Derouin (Annabel Glick), along with saucy Erica Marie Weisz (Rita La Porta), and spunky Olivia Pence (Dominque).

Rounding out the cast is the versatile Beatrice Crosbie, along with the wacky characters of Audrey Ward; not to be overlooked are the talents of Ted Leib, Kenny Bordieri, Bob Himlin and Bryce Nicastro. Yet, the most difficult character is played by Ralph Johnson. He didn't break once.

Quietly working their magic is the supporting team. They are choreographer Valeri Clark, scenic designer/painter Alyssa Kane, costume designer Marcene Drysdale, wigmaster Francia Cohen, with lighting designs by Jennifer Edwards and Star Sanders on spots. Geronimo Omabtang is the audio mixer. Along with stage manager Charmaine Reed are assistants Morgan Zwonitzer and Nick Fronterra. Props were designed by Dan Long and Zwonitzer and the producer is Ted Leib.

"Lucky Stiff" is a co-produced with Scripps Ranch Theatre, finishing the run at Oceanside Theatre Company at Brooks Theatre at 217 North Coast Highway in Oceanside, closing March 19. For tickets, call 760-433-8900 or visit http://www.OceansideTheatre.org. This show is rated 7.5 out of 10.

Elizabeth can be reached at [email protected].