Playwright Richard Dresser's colorful characters live in a very bizarre and interesting world that is a joy to visit. Actors Theatre of Phoenix has presented two of his scripts in prior seasons, Below the Belt and Gun-Shy. This impressive satirist spears all things good and loves to show the foibles of humanity in an uproariously funny light. This is the kind of work perfect for ATP and at which director Matthew Wiener is adept. It is stylized, witty, biting, and sophisticated, and it features characters that are best presented by the type of comedic character actors of which this town seems to have in abundance. Each role in this script could have been intentionally written for the actors playing them in Wiener's production.
The script is steeped in satire, yet never quite becomes mean-spirited, a delicate balancing act. Walker is a confused everyman who is taken in by Neville's surefire deal: Cram is terminally ill, and can't afford to pay his bills. Walker simply pays them, and his life insurance policy, and becomes the beneficiary upon Cram's demise, reaping the profits. Muddying matters is the enigmatic vamp Sloane, who sweeps into Walker's life, and selfless Holloway, who gives aid to Walker when complications occur.
Pacing is everything in this piece; Wiener and his ensemble are in control. The show sails along, unhindered by scene changes thanks to Jeff Thomson's multi-level and odd-looking set. The actors sweep from place to place, a beehive of activity occurring as the story tumbles forward. The scenes themselves are snappily presented, and the humor milked without being forced. The ensemble is perfectly cast by very talented locals who shine in their odd roles.
Richard Glover is perfect for Walker. He is the kind of actor with whom you develop empathy after only a few moments. He's even likable when he's doing the cruelest of deeds, making the character's desperation completely understandable. Gerald Burgess is nearly unrecognizable playing huckster Neville. He adopts a southern accent, a nearly-shaved head, and an even tone that makes it easy to see why anyone would buy death from him. His smarminess is of the type you'd envision the devil adopting. Jon Gentry was born to play Cram. He can make unpleasantness a scream, and misanthropy a joy to watch. Gentry balances the slight sympathy and overwhelming repulsiveness necessary for his character to succeed. Natalie Messersmith is psychotic vamp personified. She tinges her character with just a hint of weakness, making it impossible to hate her even through her most repulsive acts. Sally Jo Bannow has resumed performing at the same level as when she left on her hiatus. Few can deliver a punchline with as much professionalism. Her multi-faceted character highlights her impressive range.
Thomson's set and Paul A. Black's lighting are very effective, although the strange flash of understage light that punctuates each scene gets old quickly. Connie Furr-Soloman's costumes are very effective, both in defining character and in ease of changing, even for performers onstage. T. Greg Squires' sound design is excellent, as are all of the hilarious music choices that add a punch to the end of each scene.
If you enjoy odd, sly, biting, and tongue-in-cheek, this production is for you. This type of humor might not be to everyone's immediate taste, but there are plenty of safe productions of Neil Simon around town for those stodgy few. I would endorse everyone giving this a try, though. For a satire, there are plenty of belly laughs to go around.
Production Details:
Something in the Air A Hard-Boiled
Comedy by Richard Dresser
Actors Theatre of Phoenix
The Herberger Theatre Stage West, Phoenix
(602) 252-8497
March 15th - 31st, 2002