A fellow reviewer and friend of mine has a rule that applies to watching comedy. It is his tried and true, "10 Chuckle Ratio." If a comedy has at least ten, you can unequivocally say that it is, indeed, funny.
That ratio was reached in just Act One/Scene One of the Crowded Kitchen Players production of Alexander Ostrovskys "To Clever By Half" at the McCooles Arts and Events Place in Quakertown.
Directed by Ara Barlieb, "Half" is the story of Yegor Gloumov, a poor man who uses deception and connivery to rise through the ranks of Russian high society.
Barliebs adaptation is an indictment of that societys membership, and the comedy that ensues from their ignorance flows from the page to the actors to the audience.
Barlieb has concocted an experience which blurs the lines of the space-time continuum between 1860s Czarist Russia and the swinging 60s of Andy Warhol and Austin Powers.
Before the first word of dialogue is even spoken, the audience is already immersed in the era by the visage of Nora Oswalds sublime paintings. They evoke both the mod and psychedelic imagery of the decade.
The set design only adds to the feel, and set changes captained by stage manager, Libby Ross, are swift and economical with colored boxes serving as accoutrements of both the skid row apartment of Gloumov and the palatial estates of the wealthy.
Yegor Gloumov is portrayed by Ryan MacNamara, whose physicality and wiry frame accent the Gatlin gun-like speed at which his dialogue is delivered. He is likable and capable of the challenge of anchoring this wildly talented ensemble cast.
It's hard to decide who is more treacherous, Gloumov or his mother, played by Sharon Ferry.
Ferry's booming, maniacal laugh and stage presence are impossible to ignore, as is Nancy Mikkelsens Lutvina, an opportunist with a rubber face and a thunderous voice. Her expressions and chutzpah put Jim Carrey to shame.
We are treated to Ferry and Mikkelsen again later as Lubinka and Matriosha, fortune tellers/house servants to Pamela Wallaces Madame Tourousina. The Ferry/Mikkelsen comedy duo complement each other exquisitely, and are one of the many highlights of the show.
Wallaces reactions and treatment of the pair are priceless.
Another of Gloumovs inner circle of mistrust is Stripkova, brought to life by Sarah Thomas.
Thomas is a tornado of swagger, oozing attitude and suggestiveness as she saunters around Gloumovs dwelling clad only in a bed sheet and high heels. It is a brassy and brave performance, and in direct contrast to her other character, Mashenka, a young girl in love with a man whom her family condemns.
Mashenka is lovely and sympathetic, as Thomas runs the gamut between her roles.
The man she loves is Michael Thews Kourchaev. Part machismo, part lost puppy, Thew in his kilt and frosted hair makes a connection with the audience. We feel their pain as lovers doomed to be apart.
Ellen Blickmans turn as Madame Maniefa is a wonderful addition to the proceedings. Her soothsayer with a dependency problem bolsters every scene she inhabits.
Lauri Beth Rogerss Kleopatra is a quintessential drama queen who wears her heart on her sleeve. Her eyelash batting, emotional roller coaster is enjoyable to watch.
Chris Donahues Gouritalan is sincere in his part in the debauchery of decency that transpires.
The final two members of the ensemble bring the farce to new heights.
David "Oz" Oswalds turn as Mr. Kroutitszky is Monty Pythonesque as he channels his inner Michael Palin. The peaks and valleys of his timbre will make you dizzy as he punctuates every joke with cutthroat inflection. He is a master craftsman in the role, and we, the audience, are the benefactors of his handiwork.
Finally, the comic timing and panache of Brian Keller as Mamaev receive the highest marks. For me, he was the pinnacle of the show. His departure from the stage would bring a genuine feeling of disappointment, just as his return would trigger delight.
Mamaevs characterization was complex, all the while delivering belly laughs with the pinpoint accuracy of a sniper. Local police must have an all points bulletin out for Keller for the number of scenes stolen by the actor.
Costumes by Mikkelsen were also top notch, exploding with the color and flamboyance of the time (save for Thomass sheet.)
Barlieb and company should be proud of the work they have done here. They are masters of farce in the highest order. If you enjoyed "Half" even hald as much as I did, you are in for an unforgettable theatre experience.
'Too Clever by Half' runs through June 29th at Mccoole's Arts and Events Place. To purchase tickets or for more information please visit www.ckplayers.com or call 610-395-7176.