BWW Reviews: The Rep's Uproarious Production of ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis opens their 48th season with one of the most hilarious shows I've ever been privileged to see. One Man, Two Guvnors (written by Richard Bean, but based on The Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldini) is a brilliant work of pure farcical comic genius, and it's enhanced immeasurably by a bevy of equally appealing musical interludes (some really cool skiffle and beat songs by Grant Olding) that neatly transition the action from scene to scene. You have no excuse not the see this show immediately. It's a wildly funny ride that demands your attendance!

It's Brighton, 1963, and Francis Henshall, fired percussionist for The WoolfPak, a skiffle group that's edging into Beatles territory, finds himself famished and on the lookout for a job that will allow him to fill his gullet. Somehow he winds up working for two different criminals on the run from the law, and since this is a fourth wall breaking farce, you know this situation is going to take an interesting twist. And it does, with a group of characters so undeniably nutty in their own unique ways that you can't help but be swept up in their collective silliness.

Raymond McAnally gives an incredibly engaging performance as Francis, and sets the tone for the shenanigans that come. Keira Keeley (Rachel Crabbe) and Jack Fellows (Stanley Stubbers) are also good as his two employers, with Keeley neatly masquerading as her twin brother, and Fellows amusing as her sadistic and hirsute lover. Karis Danish is adorably dim as Pauline Clench, with Luke Smith providing the ultimate portrait of someone who wants to be actor so bad they even adopt the onstage posture of one, as her suitor, Alan. Anthony Cochrane proves the apple doesn't fall far from the tree as Pauline's equally daft dad, Charlie "The Duck" Clench, while John Michalski constantly offers forth Latin quips as his friend and solicitor, Harry Dangle. The pneumatic Ruth Pferdehirt makes a vivid impression as the proto-feminist Dolly, and Mel Johnson, Jr. is an amiable presence as Lloyd Boateng. Evan Zes shines with some memorable physical comedy as the aged waiter Alfie. Also great in support are: Aason Orion Baker, Ari Axelrod, Austen Danielle Bohmer, Amelia Jo Parish, Lucas Howard Reilly, and Kyle Twomey.

Edward Stern's direction is terrific. Stern keeps the pace hopping while his brilliant cast keeps the audience in stitches. He benefits greatly from the physical comedy direction of Leland Faulkner. Scott C. Neale provides the scenic design that couples early sixties architecture with a gorgeous postcard backdrop. David Kay Mickelsen's costumes suit the period and the piece, while Kirk Bookman's lighting keeps all the action clearly in focus. The icing on this delicious treat is The WoolfPak, led by Jacob Stergos (bass/vocals/band director), and featuring Timothy Moore (percussion), Matthew Rudolf (guitar), and the tasty Telecaster lead work of Jake Heberlie. Kudos to Rusty Wandall for his superior sound design that allows each actor and instrument their proper place in the mix.

The Rep's production of One Man,Two Guvnors is outstanding entertainment that rises above the tag of "must-see" to become "an enormous hit that will have you literally rolling in the aisles convulsing with laughter!" It continues through October 5, 2014 on the main stage at the Loretto-Hilton, but you should get your tickets now because they're going to go fast!

Photo credit: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

To post a comment, you must register and login.