By Eva Trieger
SAN DIEGO — If your objective is silliness and hilarity, you will be unable to escape both at the Roustabouts return to LIVE theater with “For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls.” This collection of skits was penned by Christopher Durang, legendary playwright and Tony award winner. The brilliant cadre of actors could only be improved by being complimented by Artistic Director, Phil Johnson.
The incredible synergy and obvious camaraderie of the cast enhance the show’s delights. Omri Schein demonstrates his amazing mastery of foreign accents, physical comedy, and outrageous facial expressions. He credibly becomes each of the absurd and widely exaggerated characters in each of the vignettes, be it a simpering Mama’s boy, or an arrogant waiter. This actor is mesmerizing and masterful.
Wendy Maples has worked with La Jolla’s WOW festival and New Village Arts and provides abundant guffaws in her many iterations as the former (psychotic) girlfriend and the lesbian co-worker at the plant among other peculiar characters.
Walter Murray, no stranger to San Diego, New York nor Los Angeles audiences, brings us an excellent portrayal of a middle-aged man flattered by the attentions of a former girlfriend. He is both convincing and very funny to watch! Murray’s film credits include Your Name Here and The Case Regarding Joan of Arc.
Finally, the cast is enriched by Wendy Waddell who has appeared on many local area stages as well as earning her BA in Acting at NYU. The actor embodies so many fun and funny roles in this show that it’s tough for this reviewer to choose a favorite one. Waddell is a great compassionate wife, as well as a beleaguered mother, caring for two widely disparate, yet equally disappointing sons.
Thank you, Roustabouts Theater Company, for remembering how good it feels to laugh, and for providing us this vehicle for joining together to share in the spirit of joy in a theater setting. The intimacy of the Moxie theater works well for this show and I was pleased to see audience members follow directions in arriving early to show the required proof of vaccination and masks. Do check out the website for talkbacks following some performances.
For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls will run through December 4th, and tickets may be purchased via infor@theroustabouts.org or by phone at 619-568-5800
And don’t miss out on the one-night staged reading of Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge on December 1st.
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Eva Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com