Traverse City Theatre Scene

Leading Ladies

By Ken Ludwig

Reviewed by Wayne Erreca (5-8-09)

If you enjoyed Billy Wilder’s film “Some Like It Hot”, starring the irresistibly hilarious Jack Lemon and Tony Curtis or Sydney Pollack’s brilliant 1982 smashingly successful film “Tootsie” showcasing multi-talented Dustin Hoffman as a down-beaten actor, then your farcical appetite will be thoroughly satisfied with the current Ken Ludwig’s, “Leading Ladies” at the Old Town Playhouse.

Ludwig’s “Leading Ladies” is consistent with his prior theatrical gems, “Lend Me A Tenor” and “Moon Over Buffalo” as throwbacks to a less complicated yesteryear, when times appeared simpler in comparison to our multi-faceted economical and political debacles. Ludwig’s romping farcical comedy is a terrific healing balm for those who suffer mind-splitting migraines, induced by ever-present daily nagging tribulations. 

This outrageous comedy revolves around two British Shakespearean actors, who are down-on-their-luck in the early 1950’s, who shamelessly perform on the Moose Lodge circuit in the Amish countryside of Pennsylvania. Leo Clark (Rick Korndorfer) and Jack Gable (Chris Lambdin) are trudging through a series of “Shakespearean scenes” to an ungrateful heckling audience.  The following morning at the Shrewsbury Train Station, with barely ten dollars between them and the street, Leo, while reading the newspaper, miraculously notices an opportunistic inviting ploy. The advantageous article outlines how a dying elderly dowager in York, PA, Florence Snider (Denni Don Hunting), is petitioning to voluntarily give the sum of up to three million dollars to her two missing English nephews, Max and Steve, upon their return. This is the spark of genius that propels Leo to convincingly recruit Jack in a deplorable scheme of falsifying their identities in order to procure this sizable fortune. Soon, the comedic twist is revealed by roller-skating waitress Audrey (Alissa Korson) who conveys that English nephews, Max and Steve, are in actuality, two nieces, Maxine and Stephanie. Always quick on his feet and not to be derailed, Leo, surmises they simply masquerade as women, conveniently utilizing feminine apparel already within their theatrical traveling trunks.

Upon their arrival to Snider’s stylish residence, their ambitious charade is complicated by Leo’s adoration to Florence’s bubbling niece, Meg Snider (Karen Haspas), and Jack’s heart-throbbing interest in zany Audrey. Helping to stir the intrigue is Duncan Wooley (John Dew) who has his own self-serving agendas, as a minister seeking to inherit Snider’s fortune by marrying her niece Meg, and revealing Maxine and Stephanie as imposters. Rounding out this farcical mix is Doc Meyers (Tom Pritchard) who has an infatuation for Stephanie, while his dimwitted son, Butch Meyers (Chris Peterson) has an ever alluring obsession for Audrey.

Most farces, although absurd in content, are abundant in sophisticated necessary detail. Rick Korndorfer (Leo/Maxine) is never lacking in energetic stamina, but an additional variety of nuanced, physical and audible inflections, would greatly enhance his performance. He nobly clips along, propelling the comedic thrust throughout the production, and never allows the electricity to subside. Chris Lambdin (Jack/Stephanie) is consistent, friendly, but often stoic in style. With all successful comedic twosomes, Laurel and Hardy, Abbott and Costello, Lewis and Martin, among others, there’s always an intensifying chemistry generated by their bond.  Korndorfer and Lambdin would further excel by fusing their relationship with more defined comedic actions and reactions.

Alissa Korson (Audrey) is infectiously amusing as the free-flying roller-skating waitress. She contributes greatly to every scene she appears and heightens everyone’s interest. Karen Haspas (Meg Snider) is thoroughly enjoyable and keeps the pacing happily streaming within her provocative dilemmas with Clark and Wooley. John Dew (Duncan Wooley) is convincingly solid, offering a subtle and conniving minister Wooley. Denni Don Hunting (Florence Snider) makes an ideal farcical matriarch, both in character and appearance. She’s a perfect delight in style and emotional inflection. Chris Peterson (Butch Meyers) is competent and believable as the young and witless son. Tom Pritchard (Doc Meyers) provides some of the best crafted, physical and audible nuances. His performance clearly manifests his broad talent and artful theatrical knowledge. And not to be overlooked, Keith Firstenberg’s, walk-on as a waiter, was stylishly executed.

Director Ed Mulcahy orchestrated an impressive rendition of “Leading Ladies”. He kept the pacing, which is so vital in farces, moving steadily along. Although, further stylizing of Clark and Gable, would be a welcomed creative modification.

Dan Mello’s Set Design greatly raised the visual standard, providing an excellent space for the actors. With its splendid wooden staircase, immaculate wood trim, and evenly balanced sight requirements, it’s a believable dwelling for one who is capable of giving millions of dollars away. Costume Design by Kathy Verstraete and Bradley Roswell unfortunately didn’t rise to the occasion, which by her own standards is extremely high. Don Kuehlhorn’s Light Design was adequate and supportive. Sound Design by Gary Bolton threaded the flavor of the fifties  throughout. Other important contributions are credited to: Assistant Director Patrick Feak, Producers Linda Crandall and Lee Rockwell, Marketing Coordinator Thomas Webb, Stage Manager Jeanie Gifford, Assistant Stage Manager Cinder Conlon, Set Construction by Justin Korson, Jeff Kroeger, Richard Long, Dan Mello, Joe Rice, Gene Roundtree, and Garret Sieleff, Set Decoration by Kathy Verstraete, Set Painting by Paula Bennett, Sarah Bennett, Tess Mello, and Lily Mello, Light Operator Bonnie Deigh, Spotlight by Sherri Burford, Sound Operator Steve Rine, Props by Kristin Buchholz and Sheri Wallace, Stage Crew: Deb Bowman and Dick Cieslik, and House Managers Linda Enger and Jeanne Ramick.

By the overwhelming response of those in attendance on opening night, “Leading Ladies” will tickle you to laughter, wipe clean forgettable memories of a busy day, and have you skipping cheerfully into a brighter tomorrow.