Review: UN ANIMAL DE COMPAGNIE at Beit Lessin Theatre

Beit Lessin could not have chosen a better way to welcome the new year than with premiering a fun production of the new comedy Un Animal De Compagnie (in English- A Pet), written by Francis Veber and directed by Alon Ophir.

The play begins when Henri arrives at his house with a fish bowl containing a goldfish. While Henri introduces the fish to his new home, and on the way naming it Pinion, we learn that for the past 20 years he has been married to Christine who asked him to buy them a pet- which she meant to be a Yorkshire dog. As the couple's relationship lately been off track when the two drifted apart and constantly keep fighting, Christine demands Henri to return the fish and either come back with a dog or she will file for a divorce. As the events roll on we meet Jean Pierre, a childish and lazy single guy from Christine's past, who is later on joined by Dounia, an immigrant woman from the Caucasus region who happens to have a common history with Henri. Throughout all these events Pinion the goldfish remains in the house and becomes what seems to be exactly what this house needed.

This plot might not sound very comedic but in Francis Veber's new comedy we get to see this unfortunately common case of a deteriorating marriage being presented in a fun and light play to which everyone could somehow relate to. As in every good comedy, the four characters could not be more different from one another and this great cast helps maintain this brilliantly. Starting with Rami Heuberger who plays Henri with an impressive sweet, gentle and at times rather naïve character, much different than roles he is famous for. Playing his wife Christine, Nati Kluger is a true professional as she presents her character's many layers. Dov Navon plays Jean Pierre, accompanied by Dounia, played by the funny and talented Yarden Goz whose heavy accent is simply outstanding.

Helping to retain Veber's humor and make it relevant to the Israeli audience is the translation, by Eli Bijaoui, along with the direction by Alon Ophir. Completing them is set and costumes designer Orna Smorgonsky who created an elegant and suitable environment for such a Parisian tale, as well as lighting designer Reuven Wallner.

Francis Veber's Un Animal De Compagnie may not be very sophisticated or challenging for the viewer, but this amusing and very entertaining comedy with its both crazy and heartwarming content sure is a guarantee for an enjoyable evening full of laughter.

For tickets and further information visit Beit Lessin Theatre.

Photo Credit: Kfir Bolotin.