Review: CHEATERS Is A Messy Multi-Family Affair

Reviewed by Barry Lenny, Thursday 27th October 2016

Galleon Theatre Company is currently presenting Cheaters, by Michael Jacobs, under the astute direction of the highly experienced, Brian Godfrey. The initial run on Broadway in 1978 lasted only a month and, even with the playwright's later changes, it is no masterpiece, ending in pure schmaltz, but Godfrey and his cast manage to turn it into a very entertaining evening.

Howard and Monica have been having an affair for six months, and argue like an old married couple, which they are, but not to each other. Sam and Grace each went alone to the cinema and their eyes met across the seats, ending up with them in a hotel room at the beginning of an affair. They, too, are both married. Allen and Michelle have been living together for eighteen months and she feels that the time has come to consider making it permanent and official, through marriage, but he is uncertain and reluctant, causing tensions. They each consult their parents, but nothing is resolved and so they decide that it is time that their respect parents finally met over dinner. There is just one small problem; Howard and Grace are Michelle's parents, and Sam and Monica are Allen's parents.

Howard is played by Lindsay Dunn, and his paramour, Monica, by Sharyn De Zolt. Dunn makes Howard a grumpy old man who is tired of his marriage and routine but, clearly, has already thought better of his affair with Monica. De Zolt's Monica is an angry and bossy woman intent on divorcing her husband and marrying Howard, putting pressure on him to get a move on and tell his wife. Together, they generate plenty of laughs

Sam is played by Andrew Clark, and Anita Canala plays Grace. These two have performed together on a number of occasions for Galleon, and it shows in the easy rapport in their performances together. Clark's Sam is very much the neglected husband, not so much actively looking for somebody else, and a little nervous about the suddenness of the circumstances. Canala's Grace is equally awkward about the situation. They provide plenty of fun as they hesitate and offer each other a way out, eventually going ahead.

Michelle is played by Brittany Daw, with Allen played by Simon Lancione. Daw gives us a Michelle with a ticking body clock, worrying that if they do not marry things might deteriorate and leave her on the shelf. Her pressure to move forward frightens Allen and Lancione tries to quick talk his way out of it. Initially he tends to caricature but, eventually, settles down into the role. Perhaps this overplaying was due to opening night nerves and, hopefully, will fade after a performance or two.

All in all, there are lots of laughs to be had and, as the company performs in cabaret format, having a glass or two and munching on supper before the performance and during the interval adds to the whole experience. Not surprisingly, the company has a good following of regular patrons and early bookings are recommended.

A bit of unexpected excitement came just ten minutes before the final curtain when the fire alarm sounded and we all had to evacuate the venue. Eventually, we were readmitted, and the cast valiantly skipped back a couple of pages and went on to finish the performance in true professional style.

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