BWW Reviews: LOVE, SEX, AND THE I.R.S. - Tax Time Turmoil

Stage West Community Playhouse had perfect timing, when programming the dates for their current farce, "Love, Sex, and the I.R.S.". - TAX TIME! We all could use a laugh this time of year and this production is full of them!

"Love, Sex, and the I.R.S." is a slapstick, farce, written in 1979, by playwrights William Van Zandt and Jane Milmore. Their style is of the typical, TV sit-com's, of the late 1970's. This writing team has been around for years; and although a great deal of their dialogue is trite, and dated, and expected, under the direction of Leanne Germann, this cast knows how to get every laugh and more.

The story revolves around two, male, unemployed musicians, living together in New York for several years. Does this sound familiar? Hang on...Jon prepares the taxes and to save some money, he lists them both as "married".
When the I.R.S. man comes to investigate, Jon insists on roomate Leslie, "dressing up" to pose as Jon's wife.
Remember, "Some Like It Hot?".

Mix in 2 girlfriends, Jon's mother, a nosey landlord, and a "pseudo" justice of the peace, prat falls and sight gags, and that is only the beginning of this screwball, madcap, romp!
You will have to see what happens with all of the twists and turns for yourself!

Dan Brijbag as Leslie Arthur is hilarious. He sets the pace of the production and keeps it moving at rapid speed, without a dull moment. He is a good comedian and a physical comedy pro. Mr. Brijbag's acting monologue at the end of Act II was outstanding.

Juan Triana, in the "straight role", as Jon Tractman is the perfect foil for Dan Brijbag's, Leslie. His deadpan expressions work well, in opposition to Dan Brijbag's over the top, facial expressions.

Betsy Glasson, as Vivian Tractman, is right on target, as Jon's interfering mother. Her drunken scene is a laugh out loud highlight.

Gary Depp, as the "dirty old man" Mr. Spinner, is a gem. His comic timming is exceptional.

Nicole Cavalani shines in her role as Jon's girlfriend, Kate Dennis. Ms. Cavalani gave a natural and at ease performance.

Rounding out the cast were Maurice Batista as Mr. Jansen, (the Landlord), Melissa Triana as Connie, (Leslie's girlfriend) and John Masterson as Arnold Gruinon.

The unit set of a typical New York apartment, by set designer, Jeff Germann was realistic. Costumes by Leanne Germann were appropriatly period. Lighting design by Dan Brijbag was "comedy bright".

Kudos to director, Leanne Germann, who assembled a well-rehearsed cast. Ms. Germann pulled out every trick and schtick from the old vaudeville trunk for this production, and it worked! The audience loved it!

So, if you like farce, in one door and out another, slapstick comedy, mistaken identity, sight gags, prat falls, and a good belly laugh...
"Love, Sex, and the I.R.S. is the show for YOU!

Please support Community Theatre and all of the volunteers, that put in endless time and talent, to make the magic happen, simply... "for the LOVE of the theatre".
Go see it and have some FUN!"LOVE, SEX, and the I.R.S." runs April 11th - 21st, 2013
Ticket Prices $12.00 CALL - 352- 683-5113

The theatre is located at 8390 Forrest Oaks Blvd, Spring Hill, Florida

The next production at Stage West Community Playhouse is "THE PRODUCERS", May 9th - 19th, 2013