Theater Works' Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know
(out of 
)Mark S.P. Turvin
(home office) (602) 912-0117
I can be reached for comment via e-mail at: mspt@goldfishpublishers.com
Reviewed 6/17/00
(out of )I swore that this summer, I would review only one show a week to concentrate on my own playwriting. Well, it was a nice resolution, but it went out the window when I heard about Theater Works' first summer production of Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know, last season's Off-Broadway success. I'm happy to say, though, that I'm glad I didn't spend my Saturday night sitting in front of my PowerBook as originally planned. Director Cindy Wynn and the quartet of performers make this clever musical revue a very pleasant way to travel the world.
In the style of Blame It On The Movies!, although witty and well-written, comes this song and sketch revue that takes a poke at all things travel-oriented, from lost luggage to Montezuma's Revenge. While some scenes are stronger than others, and the first act is slightly better than the second, the show rarely drags. This can be attributed to Ms. Wynn's speedy pacing, which gives us a whirlwind tour, as well as the impressive performances of the quartet, who sell this show as though their lives depend on it. The only casualty of this speed is Darcy Rould's up-tempo choreography, which is often too fast for the performers to stay in synch.
There are too many highlights in this mirth-filled script to tip a hat to all of them. Standout moments include a deadpan presentation of a customs stop, a take-off on Noel Coward's Private Lives that is as modern as it is droll, a country music lament to a bus line, and a side-splitting translation of a sultry French song. The piece is necessarily episodic, and we rarely spend much time in each locale before being whisked off to another funny observation.
The two women are in fine form. Overwhelmingly perky Sarah Wolter is a triple threat actress with a belter voice, long arms and legs that can either be used gracefully or garishly, and a laser sharp comic timing. She will do anything for laughs and applause. In fact, she is so into the moment, she sometimes overwhelms what is an ensemble effort. That doesn't stop the fact that when she flounces about the stage in whatever cut-up character she has embodied, she is pure magic. Character actress Johanna Carlisle gets a chance to shine in a myriad of roles suited to her specific talents. She has a strong alto voice and a malleable face that she works for optimal comic effect.
The men are not quite up to the level of the ladies, though they do have their moments. Dion Johnson has the gift of being able to camp or play deadpan, and he does both to wonderful effect. His great tenor voice and precise sense of underplaying and overplaying situations are quite enjoyable. Though not as strong as his three compatriots, Clayton Peterson does have some hilarious bits of his own, especially during the "Customs" sketch. There is an unbilled fifth member of the ensemble, Max Carlisle, who makes several unexpected appearances to great comedic result. This could be the start of a great career in the style of his mom.
Musical Director Robyn Peterson handles the onstage trio well, and Gregory Jaye's set is good, giving many levels to performers and surprises to the audience. Scott Campbell's lights and Kevin Cleere's sound design are solid, as are Rebecca Avery's costumes.
It's nice that Theater Works is continuing their summer season tradition, and that they've managed to offer as their first show one that is bright, witty, and a great showcase for talent. Let's hope that audiences will support this impressive effort.
Production Details:
Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know Songs and sketches by Douglas Bernstein, Francesca
Blumenthal, Michael Brown, Barry Creydon, Lesley
Davison, Addy Fieger, Stan Freeman, Dave
Frishberg, Murray Grand, Glen Kelly, Jay
Leonhart, Denis Markell, and Nick Santa Maria.
Inspired by Wendy Perrin's Secrets
Every Smart Traveler Should Know published by Fodors.
Theater Works, Peoria
(623) 815-7930
June 9th - 25th, 2000
