Review: CLEVER LITTLE LIES presented by the Hampton Theatre Company

Kicking off their exciting 33rd season, the Hampton Theatre Company (HTC) offers a stellar production of Joe DiPietro's hit off-Broadway comedy Clever Little Lies. We certainly need a good laugh in these worrisome times and the outstanding cast of HTC vets deliver resoundingly. Excellently directed by Andrew Botsford, the show runs until November 12th at the adorable Quogue venue.

The sidesplitting one-act tale follows Billy, superbly portrayed by Long Island theatre vet Edward Brennan, as he tries to cover up an extramarital affair. One he at least seems to feel bad about being his wife just gave birth to their first child. Several twists and turns abound once both of Billy's parents find out. Actually, Billy confided to his father, but his mother figures it out and leaps into action to help.

The ensemble company is truly top notch. Carolann Di Pirro wonderfully portrays Billy's wife Jane. They make a great team as stage husband and wife bickering and getting on each other's nerves. His nerves the frustration of being in love with two women and not knowing what to do and her nerves being a new mother. In the attempt to help them with their troubles, Billy's mother and father have them over for an evening, which is where the bulk of the story takes place in the gorgeous living room of the parent's house. Terrance Fiore portrays Billy, Sr. and I dare say he receives the most laughs from the enthusiastic audience. And HTC Artistic Director Diana Marbury superbly portrays Billy's well-meaning mother Alice without coming across as annoyingly overbearing as Alice tries to help her son.

On the creative team, Sean Marbury's set is a highlight with Ms. Marbury coordinating the set décor. The first scene we see is a beautiful very hamptons-esque locker room going into a car ride scene which is smartly done. The living room is light and airy with a plush couch and station for mixing drinks. This is enhanced beautifully by Sebastian Paczynski's lighting with the sound design by Mr. Botsford & Seamus Naughton. Side note: you'll also notice slightly extended scene changes which is worth it for this visually stunning production.

And so, Clever Little Lies is indeed a boffo start to the Hampton Theatre Company's current season. A zany tale and clever cast make for an entertaining night of theatre.

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Clever Little Lies is presented by The Hampton Theatre Company at the Quogue Community Hall in Quogue, Long Island, through November 12th. For more information and to perchance tickets, please call 631-653-8955 or visit www.hamptontheatre.org.

By Joe Di Pietro, Directed by Andrew Botsford, Set Design by SEAN MARBURY, Lighting Design by SEBASTIAN PACZYNSKI, Costume Design by TERESA LEBRUN, Sound Design by Andrew Botsford & SEAMUS NAUGHTON, Rehearsal Stage Management by Wally Marzano-Lesnevich, Production Stage Management by Amanda Griemsmann, Lighting & Sound Technician is MARYAM DOWLING & SEAMUS NAUGHTON, Set Décor by Diana Marbury

Starring EDWARD A. BRENNAN, CAROLANN DI PIRRO, Terrance Fiore, and Diana Marbury