BWW Reviews: Norm Foster's SINNERS - Chaotic Hilarity At The Bay Way

Norm Foster's comedy, Sinners, is the latest offering from the Broadhollow Theatre Company. The story hilariously makes light of grossly mistaken identities, extra marital affairs, and life's general chaos. This MarIan Waller directed incarnation runs through April 21^st at Broadhollow's BayWay Theatre in East Islip and continues at their Elmont location beginning May 18^th.

The wonderful cast is headed up by Glen Beck, Broadhollow's Associate Artistic Director. In a true "the show must go on" moment, a series of happenings had Mr. Beck take on the role of Peter Kramer that was to be portrayed by John Leone. Mr. Beck will be continuing BayWay's run with Mr. Leone returning for the Elmont engagement.

Mr. Beck made a fine paranoid Peter Kramer, a furniture salesman who is having an affair with Monica Lloyd. Portrayed by the fabulous Emily Nadler, Monica is the Reverend Lloyd's wife. Because of the affair, he believes the whole town if after him so we find him dimming the lights and avoiding windows as he visits Monica's house. What was supposed to be a wonderful couple of days together turns into chaos as the Reverend comes home early from an out of town trip.

Also among the cast was Ginger Dalton who portrays nosy neighbor Diane Gillis. In a hilarious exchange, catching Peter at the Lloyd's house while he's having his tryst with Monica, Diane insists on an impromptu confession session with Peter thinking he is the currently out of town Reverend. Not wanting to be found out, Peter entertainingly yet unwillingly goes along with this. Diane is friends with the upper-class minded Caroline Cavanaugh, portrayed by MerEdith Spencer, who makes her appearances in Act Two. Caroline is the wife of lazy police Chief Roy Cavanaugh portrayed by Martin Edmond. Mr. Edmond also portrays the aforementioned Reverend in a brief appearance in Act One. The only thing I could say is while of course very talented, I feel there could have been more comedy amongst the cast. As the run continues, I'm sure even more of the comedy will play through.

You'll be struck as to how versatile the characters could be. As this is the first of Mr. Foster's productions, he seemed to have left room for the actors to truly make their characters their own when they take on these roles rather than conforming to what the role is meant to be, possibly becoming uncomfortable.

Besides the cast, another highlight was the lovely set done by Bob Butterley. Set in the Lloyd's home, a light color living room with beige walls and dark trimming took the majority of the stage. The rest of the stage was the Lloyd's bedroom. They made great use of the mid-size stage.

The Broadhollow Theatre Company certainly has a wonderful production with Sinners on their hands. Featuring a wonderful cast, this is a refreshing show that doesn't have the glitz of Broadway but is simply a fun evening of theatre.

Sinners is presented by the Broadhollow Theatre Company at the BayWay Theatre in East Islip through April 21^st continuing to their Elmont location beginning May 18^th. By Norm Foster, Directed by MarIan Waller, Set Design by Bob Butterley, Lighting Design by Erick Creegan, Costume Design by Jason Allyn, and Stage Management by Tracey Pine. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 581-2700 or visit www.broadhollow.org.

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