BWW Reviews: The Midnight Company's Witty and Insightful Production of MISTAKES WERE MADE

Mistakes Were Made is a very funny play, full of in-jokes for those in the know of theatre and the Hollywood scene for sure, but also for those who aware of the history of the French revolution. Although essentially the ravings of one man, the part of his secretary keeps him in check and adds a bit of sanity to the proceedings. In any event, Joe Hanrahan and Emily Piro are terrific in this 90 minute peek into the world of a desperate Broadway producer who works his wiles as he tries to get a show off and running by tying it to a hot Hollywood commodity. The Midnight Company's current presentation is playing at the Kranzberg Arts Center, and it's a must-see event.

Felix Artifex is a producer trying to juggle the demand of a star, his playwright, his writer's agent, an ex-wife, and ten trucks of sheep on their way to a dipping that have stumbled across a rebel faction that means them harm. All the while his trusty secretary, Esther, patiently takes down messages and passes them along, informing her harried boss of the latest person on hold, or the latest crisis that's developed. And, it's set against the backdrop of an attempt to finance a production called "Mistakes Were Made", which is a particularly apt title, since nothing than can possibly go right, does.

Joe Hanrahan gives a tour de force performance as Felix, letting you feel every bead of sweat that crosses his forehead as he tries to wriggle free from very obligations, or wrangle a solution on the fly to an especially nasty predicament. Hanrahan is nothing short of perfection. Emily Piro neatly underplays as Esther, and that works to her distinct advantage, allowing her to seem reasonable and human, while she attempts to keep her boss and his various callers placated. Together, they offer a neat balancing act that never fails to draw laughs in abundance.

Sarah Whitney directs with a sure and steady hand, guiding these actors through their paces with precision. She aided in her efforts by the superb work of her cast and Robert Van Dillen's nicely lived-in office set, complete with an overfed fish in a tank that Felix has named Denise, and taken to talking to (and feeding) when things get a little out of hand from time to time.

Mistakes Were Made is the kind of compact theatre experience that absolutely delights an audience with its abundant humor, and with the wonderful work provided by its cast. Craig Wright's witty and insightful play continues through September 3, 2011 at the Kranzberg Arts Center.

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