BWW Reviews: THERE IS A HAPPINESS at Capital T Is A Hilarious Must-See

The point of any theater review

Is to give the reader a short preview

Of what a show is like on stage.

That's why I put my pen to page.

As this show substitutes rhymes for prose

My review does the same. Here goes.

*

There is a happiness that is There Is a Happiness...

Indeed, it easily could lead to crappiness

Given how much it owes to poetry and rhyme,

Arts rarely found on stage in our time.

But Mickle Maher's play is full of wit

Which he manages to pepper with touches of grit

As he explores his characters of Bernard and Ellen.

*

These two likeable and intelligent professors have fell

Into some troubles after a lesson on William Blake

Inspired them to fornicate

In front of their students and the Dean.

What follows is a comedy that must be seen

As Bernard and Ellen teach their class

And apologize for their actions in the grass.

*

There's much going on in Maher's text

From explorations of Blake to musings on sex.

His use of mostly rhymes to discuss Billy's work

Will make the audience go berserk

In, I assure you, the best of ways.

The idea certainly enhances the play.

What Maher's done deserves respect.

Just writing this makes me reflect

On how difficult his task must be

To write 90 minutes of rhymes and not flee.

*

But There is a Happiness would not be

Without the talents at Capital T.

Mark Pickell this show directs

And brings out humor to perfect effect.

Jason Phelps excels as Bernard,

One of two teachers who screwed in the yard.

He's innocent, charming, and filled with glee

Which masks insecurities we later see.

*

The other, Ellen, is played by Katherine Catmull.

Ellen loves words that start with "bull."

She too has her secrets and issues

Which she covers by donning a cold attitude.

Catmull's performance is fun and intense

And she's best when curses she does dispense.

While on the surface these two are complete opposites,

They have a chemistry that allows them to fit.

*

So if you're a fan of William Blake,

Then see this show, for heaven's sake.

If you're not, then I still say,

"Get off your butt and see this play."

*

*

Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission.

NOTE: For mature audiences only.

THERE IS A HAPPINESS THAT MORNINGS IS, produced by Capital T Theatre, plays the Hyde Park Theatre at 511 West 43rd St, Austin, 78751 now thru November 16th. Performances are Thursday - Saturday at 8pm. Tickets are $20-$30. For tickets and information, visit www.capitalt.org.

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