PETER CHRISTINE of Alna plays the Bishop of Lax, and Millie Santiago of West Boothbay Harbor portrays Ida in Heartwood Regional Theater’s comedy, “See How They Run.”
Been hankering for a chance to relax, to enjoy an evening out and to have a chance to laugh?
Then take your weary self to join in Heartwood Theater’s production of the mad cap comedy, “See How They Run.”
It’s a chance to step back into the early 1940s when our conventions of propriety made fools of everyone. It’s a chance to laugh at the magic on stage, smile at how we’ve changed, and reflect on what we’ve lost.
In “See How They Run,” comfort and tradition mix with the folly of deception as only the British can master. Think “Fawlty Towers,” see Basil deciding to “cover up” in order to save his dignity, and you’ll be close to the illogical actions that these otherwise sane characters fall into.
That is the humor and the comfort of it all: To know that we would be much wiser than they, wouldn’t we?
From the very start we are lulled into the enjoyment we seek. The set, the living room of the Rev. Toop’s vicarage in Merton- cum- Middlewick, comforts with solid leather furniture, crown molding and polished wooden floors framed by warm walls and French doors overlooking the garden. Every detail has been carefully selected to welcome us to another place: lights, music and tasteful decor between intriguing doors.
An endearing maid, Ida (Millie Santiago), brings in tea and sanity. Ida can say whatever she knows as truth because no one really listens to the maid. She’s wisecracking, honest, caring and truly holds the house together, even on her night out. Everything about her is charming, right down to her rolled hose.
This household of the Rev. Toop (Wayne Barber), and his wife, Penelope (Nancy-Grace Dersham), becomes tangled in a web of deception, weaving in the tension of misunderstanding and possible ghastly gossip. It is, after all, a vicar’s home and there are well maintained expectations of how this “holy” couple should behave.
There is comfort, too, in the dramatic irony — that we know more about what’s happening than any character in the play. However, it is constantly surprising to witness what these folks do with what we know.
Think Marx Brothers in clerical garb and you’ll be close.
Playwright, Philip King enjoys words and quick responses. His writing masterfully scatters the staples of verbal comedy: puns, malapropisms and just plain silliness.
Throughout the night we encounter Miss Skillon, the “church lady” of the parish (Alison Machaiek); Lance Cpl. Clive Winton (Steve Shema), an old friend of Penelope’s; visiting vicar Arthur Humphrey (Bill Vaughan); Penelope’s uncle, the Bishop of Lax (Peter Christine); an intruder (Hayden Crowell); and a police sergeant (Kent Cooper).
Without revealing the plot, I’m sure you can conjure up some great mishaps among these characters. Their delivery, timing and physicality heightened humor throughout the show.
Some highlights for me were: Miss Skillon’s couch positions, Penelope’s facial expressions, Clive’s leaps and Humphrey’s blushing, which is just not a response one can learn, huh?
Accolades for director Griff Braley. Comedy challenges; we should hold our highest awards for those who create a truly funny play.
“See How They Run” gets its title from the nursery rhyme “Three Blind Mice.” Braley captures both the logic and the fun, which allows us to “ever see such a sight in our life” with these temporarily blinded folks.
Because this action is set in the 1940s, it requires a willing suspension of disbelief of our cultural changes since then. I encourage you to let yourself relax and succumb to the mid-20th century conventions of propriety, even though our present day media seems unaware of such conventions.
I promise that letting go of logic will enhance the humor of these characters. You’ll find the comfort you seek and delight in this welcome family entertainment.
Performances will run for two weekends in the Parker B. Poe Theater at Lincoln Academy. Evening performances, beginning at 7:30 p.m., will be presented today and Saturday, as well as May 11 and 12. Two 3 p.m. matinees will be offered on Sunday and May 13. Seating is general, though special arrangements may be made at the time of reservation. Tickets cost $12 for students or $18 for adults. Reservations are strongly suggested and can be obtained by calling Heartwood at 563-1373 or emailing boxoffice@heartwoodtheater.org.
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