Review: THE GINGERBREAD LADY, Harlequin Dinner Theatre

THE GINGERBREAD LADY, playing at the Harlequin Dinner Theatre, is one of Neil Simon's darker plays, about an a former cabaret artist named Evy Meary struggling with alcoholism (a role splendidly portrayed by Priscilla Craft, who manages to steer a fine path between comedy and pathos.)

Having just completed a ten-week stint in a rehab facility to overcome her alcoholism, Evy returns home to find her daughter (Ashley Corbaley) wanting to move in with her after living with her father since her parents' divorce a few years previously.

Her daughter and her friends - which include a gay actor played by the director, Robert Olivas - despair when Evy almost immediately falls off the wagon.

The play is well acted and well paced by Olivas, who - like Priscilla Craft - strikes just the right balance between comedy and the serious nature of alcoholism and the devastating effect it can have on friends and family.

The cast - which includes Nikki Folsom as ta friend obsessed by her looks, and Colin Bonnington as a former lover of Evy's - all acquit themselves well in their roles. In short this is a show well worth seeing. To reserve seats (and dinner, if desired) call (210) 222-9694. Dinners start at 6.30 and performances at 8.