TAR
Menu

triangle arts review

"Don't Dress for Dinner" is a Racy, Raunchy, and Utterly Hilarious Romp

1/29/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
There’s an old saying that goes, “when the cat’s away, the mice will play,” and, essentially, that’s the premise behind Don’t Dress for Dinner, a funny, farcical play adapted by Robin Hawdon from the work of Marc Camoletti. The only problem with that premise is that, in this case, the “cat” doesn’t actually go away as planned, and chaos ensues. 

In the world of this play, put on by The Towne Players of Garner and directed by Beth Honeycutt, the “cat” is Jacqueline (Olivia Ashley). She’s planning to visit her mother, and her husband, Bernard (Dan Bain) is planning some secret alone time with his lover, Suzanne (Meg Dietrich). But, when Jacqueline learns that Bernard’s friend, Robert (Greg Flowers), will be in town, she decides to stay put. See, Robert is her
on-the-side lover. And, if you’re confused, don’t worry, that’s kind of the point. Bernard begs Robert to pretend Suzanne is his lover . . . only Robert confuses the hired cook, Suzette (Brenna Smith), for Suzanne, and the two are forced to pretend to be each other for the night. Yes, it’s as silly as it sounds, but luckily, it’s also hilarious, thanks largely to the strong cast and staging.


Ashley plays her role as funny, breathy, and surprisingly sensual, while Bain convincingly plays the more sensible straight man character. Meanwhile, Flowers creates a Robert that is appropriately puttering and befuddled, while Smith’s Suzette is believably sweet and scheming all at the same time. Meanwhile, Dietrich and, in the second act, Ethan Carpenter, add their own hilarious styles to the comedic fun.


This racy, raunchy romp plays out on a cute country house set that’s complete with rustic brick walls and charming paintings. It’s also strengthened by Honeycutt’s crisp direction, which displays itself through smooth blocking, well-prepped physical comedy, and a nice, natural sense of movement throughout. And, as the night wears on and the characters get progressively drunker, Hawdon’s script and the stellar sound quality help keep the rapidly changing story surprisingly clear and easy to follow.


Ultimately, this production is a laugh-a-minute riot and a real treat for viewers. It’s a perfect testament to the unique charm and sheer joy of well-done community theatre. Plus, it all takes place at the Garner Performing Arts Center, a delightful venue with spacious seating and vintage style. And, while this particular show may have reached the end of its run, it’s a shining example of what The Towne Players of Garner can do. 



0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    TAR

    We love the arts. We write about them. Founded 2018.

    Categories

    All
    5 Questions
    Book Reviews
    Burning Coal
    Carolina Ballet
    Cary Players
    Concert Reviews
    Dance
    Dance Reviews
    DPAC
    Durham Performing Arts Center
    Forest Moon Theater
    "From The Pit" By Michael Macsuga
    Harnett Regional Theatre
    High School Theatre
    July 2021
    Koka Booth Amphitheatre
    Music
    NCT
    NC Theatre
    Neuse Little Theatre
    North Carolina Theatre
    North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre
    PlayMakers Repertory Company
    Press Releases
    Raleigh Dance Theatre
    Raleigh Little Theatre
    Raleigh Memorial Auditorium
    ShaLeigh Dance Works
    Theatre In The Park
    Theatre Raleigh
    Theatre Reviews
    The Towne Players Of Garner

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact