Review: TRAVELS WITH MY AUNT at West End Productions

West End Productions' Travels with My Aunt is playing at VSA North Fourth Arts Center from March 1st - March 17th. This production, adapted by Giles Havergal, is based on a novel by Graham Greene. The play is directed by husband and wife team Cy and Jane Hoffman, who state that the adaptation is an, "unexpected delight."

Travels with My Aunt starts out in Southwood, England in 1969, then progresses to various locations across Europe as Henry Pulling and his Aunt Augusta embark on an adventure. The play begins with Henry's mother's cremation, where he runs into his Aunt Augusta after not speaking with her for many years. At this point, Henry is a 55-year-old retired bachelor whose only joy in life is tending to his dahlias. From the moment Augusta comes back into Henry's life, nothing is ever the same. From that point on, Henry's life is full of mysteries and intrigue involving Henry's long-dead father and questions of Henry's parentage. All the while, Henry and his aunt have to stay one step ahead of local authorities due to incidents of art smuggling and espionage.

Travels with My Aunt consists of four actors (Kenneth Ansloan, Tim MacAlpine, Harry Zimmerman, and Colleen Neary McClure), each dressed identically in a black suit and bowler hat playing a total of twenty-three roles. The actors shift from role to role seamlessly and hardly miss a beat. While the costume doesn't change, the accents, tone, and body language used by the actors make it clear when they have switched roles. While each cast member did a wonderful job with their role, McClure had the additional feat of just joining the cast a few weeks ago. It was not noticeable in the slightest, and McClure was able to keep up with her fellow cast members with ease.

West End Productions' Travels with My Aunt was a true delight for the audience, leaving everyone laughing throughout the production. It's a unique tale that kept everyone engaged and wondering what would happen next until the very end of the play. This entertaining production should not be missed!

Travels With My Aunt runs from March 1st - March 15th at VSA North Fourth Art Center. Performances are 7:30 PM Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:00 PM on Sundays. Tickets range from $20 (Students & Seniors) to $22. They can be purchased at: http://holdmyticket.com/event/323889.

Image Credit: West End Productions

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