By Eva Trieger
POWAY, California — In the wake of so much current heavy news, who doesn’t need a wacky comic-whodunit? Actor/Director Dennis Floyd unfurls the story of a struggling director, Anthony Lefcourt who desperately needs a hit to make a comeback from his plummeting career. One of his actresses is trying to blackmail him, causing him to use the petty jealousies and insecurities of his characters to turn on each other and obfuscate a murder. Thanks to the writing team of Walter and Peter Marks, The Butler Did It provides comic relief and a suspension of reality.
In a telephone interview, Floyd shared that he first saw the Off Broadway production of the show in the 1980s. About three or four years ago, he discovered an actor’s copy of the play, replete with blocking notes, in a public library. He described the play as quirky and was intrigued to direct it.
As an actor, Floyd has graced PowPac’s stage, most recently in It’s Only a Play. Other favorite roles included university professor Henry Harper in Another Antigone. When asked about a memorably challenging role, Floyd recalled that he had enjoyed being cast in The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail while he was in college. The actor has great admiration and respect for Sam Waterston.
When wearing his director’s cap, Floyd told me that he enjoyed directing A Comedy of Errors for Coronado Playhouse. This production required a video presentation due to complications stemming from Covid. However, Floyd’s directorial debut occurred in the 1970s when he took on Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. As Stoppard is one of his strong influencers, Floyd shared that he’s eager to direct another Stoppard play, The Real Inspector Hound, but also would happily tackle any Shakespearean comedy such as Twelfth Night or Much Ado About Nothing.
I inquired if this now-retired trial attorney had an affinity for directing comedy and was told, “Dying is easy, comedy is hard. It’s a hard medium to direct and act.” Timing is critical, as are interactions between characters and the audience. However, when the laughter lands, it is hugely rewarding.
Our phone conversation took place during the very first week of rehearsals. Floyd’s six actors included two he’d worked with before, two he’d seen and wanted to work with and two who are absolutely new to him. He was very excited about the cast and reported that “it’s a very creative group and ideas keep pouring out. Something pops out in each reading, and there are so many nuggets of humor. Rehearsals are always a delight.” The play features Erin Collens, Brian Evans, Joran Fan, Geoffrey Graeme, Lee Price and Taylor Wiggins, in addition to Assistant Director, Lisa Balderston and Producer Darrell Datte.
How is PowPac Community theater unique? “I think it is a delightful place to do plays. The Board is great. The community is so supportive and everyone has a great attitude.” As a reviewer, I am always astounded by the caliber of acting on this intimate stage and the commitment of the collaborative efforts of the volunteers who make the magic happen.
The premise of The Butler Did It sounds zany and quite entertaining. I refuse to leak any spoilers, so I’ll leave you in suspense by saying that there is a surprise ending!
The Butler Did It runs from May 17 through June 9. Tickets are available online at boxoffice@powpac.org or by phone at 858-679-8085.