"The Next Reunion"          Society Hill Playhouse         May 13 - June 20

Let’s face it: high school reunions are not for everyone. The invitation arrives in the mail and most people toss it straight into the trashcan, citing the obvious excuses—I’ll be out of town, I can’t get a sitter, I’m too busy scrapbooking. In reality, it’s often fear that keeps many folks away; at the same time, though, it’s curiosity that suckers many people in. Either way a reunion is one big mystery.

Well, there’s no mystery about The Next Reunion. Energized by a charming cast, a fast-paced plot, and quick-witted dialogue, this new production is a first-rate comedy and a sure-fire crowd pleaser.

The story follows three former high school misfits: the once and future smart-ass Craig; his only friend, the overly shy and relatively unnoticed Jake; and the former black-clad goth-girl Betsy. They return for their school’s ten year reunion only to discover not much has changed: outcasts then, outcasts now. Rather than sticking around their own party, the trio decides to crash a pair of reunions taking place next door, stealing names from guest lists and wheedling their way past check-in desks with one absurd lie after another. Each hilarious case of “identity theft” sets off another round of laughter in this rollicking comedy. Like an ill-advised teenage prank awry, their innocent role-playing charade quickly escalates into a highly-amusing, no-holds-barred game of one-upsmanship with each predicament becoming more outrageous—and outrageously funnier—than the one before.

The cast delivers the laughs in a big way. Craig is the high school graduate who, even in early adulthood, has never quite shed his sophomoric ways. In this role, Christopher Handschuch channels an early David Spade as he accentuates the character’s maddening dichotomy: he’s incredibly endearing yet incredibly annoying. In contrast to Craig, Jake is mature, reflective, vulnerable…and blessed with amazing rhythm on the dance floor. (Now that’s a scene you have to see!) The easily likeable Jake Blouch meshes his dramatic instincts with a casual comedic touch. He not only unveils his character’s insecurities with great subtlety but also dryly snaps off clever comebacks with the same degree of competence. His character perfectly complements Betsy, the reunion’s ugly duckling—once homely, but now the Homecoming Queen. Played by the delightful Nora Fitzgerald, Betsy is both sassy and sincere, and commands the show at several turns.

Making his theatrical debut, writer/director Larry McKenna crafts a story that moves along quickly, humorously and in a few scenes poignantly. Armed with a lethal combination of Irish wit and locker room sensibilities, McKenna throws joke after joke at the audience, unleashing a steady stream of verbal digs, clever punch lines and enough innuendo to make Austin Powers proud. His play is not overly sophisticated; it’s just funny. After all, those seeking deeper meaning, McKenna warns in the program, should look elsewhere. This caveat, however, is more Twain than truth, for there’s a sweet, sentimental subplot that nicely balances out the slapstick.

Overall, if you are simply seeking a good time and hoping for something funny, look no further than this play. Don’t hold out for the Save the Date from your high school’s alumni association, just get down to Society Hill Playhouse and crash The Next Reunion now.

Thomas J. Neary

"Respect"          Society Hill Playhouse        Jan. 27 - April 18

Respecting A Girl’s Night Out

"R-E-S-P-E-C-T...find out what it means to me."  Apparently it means a great deal to women all over the Philadelphia area.  Ladies have been flocking to the show “Respect” like pilgrims traveling to Lourdes. And the latest production of the show at the Society Hill Playhouse offers an absolute cure for the winter doldrums.

"Respect" is the brainstorm of author Dorothy Marcic and features a multitude of popular songs.  The show celebrates the strides women have made over the years.  It features a wide range of popular music from "Someone to Watch Over Me" to "I Will Survive."

The Philadelphia premiere of the show at Act Two Playhouse in Ambler was so wildly successful, that it was extended not once, but twice. Producer and director, Bud Martin, decided to bring it to a larger venue in the city. The new and improved version is just that. The bigger and deeper stage has allowed the production to achieve even higher heights.

Dirk Durossette’s set is a major upgrade from the Act Two production because of the added space available to him…and he makes the most of it. The ascending circular steps add a majestic look to the production. The rear projection screen becomes the fifth cast member and adds tremendously to the show. One minute the big screen gets laughs as the cast sings “Johnny Get Angry” and a clever array of men named “Johnny” flashes in front of the audience. Next minute we are treated to a montage of women who have courageously changed the social landscape for the so-called “gentler sex.”

While Doroth Marcic’s script serves as the time machine, it is the music of the show that powers the engine. The cast is simply excellent. The voices of Danielle Herbert, Lois Sach Binder, and Jennifer Lorae are a wonderful blend. In terms of their looks and roles, no three people could be more different. However, when the three come together in song, those differences melt into intricate harmonies. Listening to the three of them is pure joy.

Danielle Herbert shines in her role, a portrayal that resulted in her being nominated for a Barrymore Award for “Outstanding Leading Actress in a Musical” this past year. Lois Sach Binder returns to the very stage that she starred in “Menopause” for years and continues to delight audiences with her beautiful voice and great comic timing. New Yorker, Jen Lorae brings an incredible stage presence to the production and a voice to match. Newcomer Eileen Matthews plays the narrator and adds an energy that is infectious.

Director Bud Martin has done an exquisite job of getting the most out of his actresses and cleverly navigating through this “musical journey of women,” as it is billed. For a man, he apparently gets it. Martin has served as a producer on three Broadway productions this past year and has recently returned from London’s West End where he is a producer on the smashingly successful run of “Legally Blonde.” Apparently producing agrees with him.

Musical director John Daniels has done a marvelous job with the complex arrangements and enjoys a little onstage moment that endears him to the audience even more.

Make no mistake about it…this is a show ABOUT women and FOR women. Women are the target audience and the show clearly hits its mark. With a stellar cast, the show sings its way through history and you better buckle up for the ride. It is fast, furious, and non-stop.

Narrow-minded males may find themselves allergic to the high level of estrogen in the theater. In fact, men, if your wives or girlfriends ask you to join them on this trip to the theater, this may be the one time in your life that you might think about turning the tables and claiming that YOU have a headache. However, ladies, for you, the “musical journey” is well worth the ride.

Larry Bonefonte

"On Golden Pond"          Act Two Playhouse         Nov. 17 - Dec. 13

Quite simply, Act II Playhouse is on a roll. Under the artistic direction of Bud Martin, this quaint theater in Ambler, PA is quickly establishing a reputation as one of Philadelphia’s finest theater venues.

It started with last season’s production of the musical “Respect.” This show, which celebrated the achievements of women over the years, was a runaway success and was actually extended twice. In fact, in January it will continue its run at the Society Hill Playhouse.

This year Martin, with his Great White Way connections, scored a coup when he became the first Philadelphia Theater to produce the Broadway hit “Boeing Boeing.” Again, the run was a huge success, enjoying a sold-out run and yet another extension.

That brings us to the current production of “On Golden Pond.” Act II has assembled an all-star cast that makes for a thought provoking night of pure entertainment. “On Golden Pond” is a touching story of a feisty couple facing their twilight years. While this might suggest a maudlin story line, “On Golden Pond” is anything but. It is more of a celebration of love and family.

It all starts when you enter this intimate theater and take one look at a magnificent set designed by Dirk Durossette. The rustic summer cabin immediately transports you to Golden Pond in all its splendor.

The pairing of noted Philadelphia actors Tom McCarthy and Carla Belver is sheer genius. Having acted together on many occasions, their comfort zone is obvious and contagious. It is clear that these two have an undeniable chemistry. They are surrounded by an outstanding cast that includes Megan Bellwoar, Peter Balcke, Tom Byrn, and Carl Granieri. Bellwoar is particularly convincing as the sometimes estranged daughter.

Act II’s Artistic Director, Bud Martin, orchestrates this production and does so seamlessly. Good directors are like good umpires or officials. When they are good, you hardly even notice them. When they are bad, it is painfully obvious. Martin’s direction allows the action to flow gracefully and the actors to hit their stride.

“On Golden Pond” runs until December 13. It is well worth the trip to Ambler to visit the summer cottage that feels like home to all of us.

"The Kids Left, the Dog Died, Now What?"          Society Hill Playhouse         Oct. 14-Nov. 22

Sometimes it is fun to just go to a theater and be entertained without having to worry whether you got the deeper meaning or the highly symbolic intentions of the author.  Carole Lonner's production entitled "The Kids Left, the Dog Died, Now What" is just plain fun.  Its target audience is clear and those of us who are empty nesters know exactly what she is talking about.

"Kids" takes a look at several humorous topics that confront the "baby boomer" generation.  The song "Who Says Progress is Good" sets the tone for this fun look at growing old.  It is a clever perspective of the hazards of modern technology for those of us who struggle to program our VCR or understand all the complexities of our cell phone.

Corban Abernathy plays mutltiple roles in this show, as do Amy Walton, Gerri Weagraff, and Paul Weagraff.  Abernathy is at his best when he sings a catchy and humorous tune entitled "Doctors," shedding some light on the medical issues that come with aging.

"Kids" covers such topics as the temptations of infidelity, computer dating, and cosmetic surgery.  One of the highlights of the show is a song about that unexpected letter that magically appears when you turn 50.  "AARP" is a clever little ditty that hits home for those of us who have gotten that little punch in the stomach when we went to the mailbox after hitting the half-century milestone.

The Society Hill Playhouse is a wonderful place to see a show.  Its position in the Philadelphia theater scene is well-documented.  Owner Deen Kogan was recently honored by the Theatre Alliance of Philadelphia for her wonderful achievements these past 50 years and for good reason.  It is hallowed ground.

Be forewarned, this historic theater is located on the second floor and there is no elevator.  Hence, it is NOT handicap accessible.  However, for those who can make it up the stairs, it is well worth the journey.

Kudos to Rick Belzer for a well-conceived lighting design.  After working on the Broadway hit "Burn the Floor," Belzer returns to Philadelphia to shine his light on this delightful show.

So, empty nesters, check out "The Kids Left, the Dog Died, Now What."  No need for a babysitter, no need for someone to stop by to let your dog out...you are finally free to just go out on the town and enjoy a chance to laugh at yourself.

_________________________________________________________________________________