The story of the life of playwright Larry Shue is possibly as interesting as the plots of his two most famous plays “ although not nearly as amusing.
Shue was at the forefront of a blossoming career as both playwright and actor when he was tragically killed in a plane crash at the age of 39 “ similar to the tragic end of playwright Jonathan Larson who died on the morning of previews for his musical 'Rent'.
Shue's 1983 farce 'The Foreigner' “ despite lackluster reviews - went on to win two Obie and two Outer Critics Circle Awards including "Best New American Play."
His other "famous" play was the 1981 comedy 'The Nerd' which was produced by the Pennsylvania Playhouse in 2007.
I saw a production of 'The Foreigner' at a regional theater in Long Island two years ago and my reaction was "this is an incredibly complex piece for any theater to want to tackle."
The technical requirements are daunting: trap doors, quick entrances and exits, explosions ¦ not to mention that 'The Foreigner' has some maudlin and dark sub-plots.
The characters are complex and each conveys a wide range of emotions “ they're not merely on stage to look confused and slam doors as in some farces.
Therefore, I was curious how director Gary Boyer and his cast and crew would handle the challenges and was happy to see that they were not only able to tackle the challenges but produced a finely-tuned and very amusing production.
The play tells the story of Charlie Baker, a depressed and shy man, traveling through Georgia thanks to the assistance of his good friend "Froggy" LeSueur.
"Froggy" has made arrangements for Charlie to stay at a fishing lodge owned by Betty Meeks. Ms. Meeks resort has, unfortunately, run into hard times and she is threatened with selling the property at a loss due to the underhanded scheming of a manipulative and devious local "authority" named Owen.
When he arrives Charlie tries to convince "Froggy" that this layover is not a good idea because the socially anxious Charlie does not want to have to talk with anyone - but also doesn't want to appear rude by not talking with anyone. "Froggy" comes up with the ruse that Charlie is a "foreigner" and explains to Betty that Charlie cannot speak or understand English.
Thrown into this are the other "guests" at the lodge “ a wealthy debutant named Catherine, her dim-witted brother Ellard, and Catherine's suave fiancée David. David, as we learn early on, is a friend of Owen's, and also aware of some of Owen's plotting against Betty (which have far more sinister motives which are revealed during the show).
Charlie, with his "inability" to speak or understand English, becomes privy to many conversations which motivate him to try to help those who need him “ despite his inability to communicate with anyone.
But 'The Foreigner' is not merely a "lack of communication" comedy.
Charlie, simply by his presence and childlike innocence, inspires those around him to blossom during the course of the play while helping himself break free of the shell he has wrapped himself in. He becomes a sort of "role model" through his attempts to keep his "ruse" intact and as a result inspires others to improve themselves.
Despite the dark tone at times there is a lighthearted quality to Charlie which serves to inspire some “ and rile those with dark motives into revealing their true intentions.
Sinister motives and diabolical plots hide behind the "southern hospitality" most of these characters try to convey. Despite this, there is a lot of laughter to be had and the residents running in and out of Ms. Meeks place are doing everything they can to make sure you leave with a smile on your face.
The ensemble cast has an enjoyable time with the material and plays each scene with a fine comedic pacing which never becomes exaggerated or unrealistic. They enjoyed sustained laughter from the audience on the night of our performance.
Each character is unique and has their own individual failings and qualities, and the actors capture the essence of these roles and play against each other quite well.
'The Foreigner' is the sort of play which can run the risk of being dull and slow. However, the production at the Pennsylvania Playhouse is in no danger of this.
Everyone in the show puts forth a great level of talent and energy, but Steven Schmid as "Charlie" and Thomas W. Rush as "Ellard" were especially good.
One scene between these two gentlemen “ without any words spoken “ establishes their friendship which grows in importance while also demonstrating the comic ability and cleverness of these two actors which is put on display more as the play continues. Nobody in this show ever "fades in the background" but at some moments it is unlikely you can take your eyes off Charlie's facial expressions or smiling at Ellard's simple-yet-intelligent outlook on things.
The set built by Brett Oliveira and designed by Oliveira and Gary Boyer truly reflects an inviting lodge in rural Georgia that makes you want to curl up next to the "potbellied stove" and listen to Charlie weave one of his stories in his native (though never identified) tongue.
The technical hurdles of the show are cleverly handled by the production “ seamlessly moving from one effect to another. Lighting by Mr. Oliveira is simple but well-done and costumes by Brenda McGuire capture the essence of the characters beautifully. Her use of bow-ties, aprons and denim add the final touch to bring Mr. Shue's colorful characters to life on stage.
Director Gary Boyer, along with his talented cast and crew, have crafted a charming and amusing show.
(Hint: If you are friends with anyone in the production “ ask them to show you the stove up close and reveal what it actually is made of.)
As stated in the "director's notes" in the program (echoing the comments of director Robert Callan Adams who directed the Playhouse's 'The Nerd' in 2007) "no one knows how much more Shue would have contributed to the American theater. We do know that the plays he left behind are funny, spirited, ridiculous silly romps with a lot of heart “ a comic actor's dream."
Mr. Boyer and his cast and crew have taken this to heart and are enjoying the "comic actor's dream" in their enjoyable production of The Foreigner.
'The Foreigner' also features Fred Broadbent, Rhonda Manis, Jeremy Thompson, Kate Eggings, and Jim Vivian.
The Foreigner runs February 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, Thursday at 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, and Sundays at 3:00 pm.
For tickets call 610-865-6665 or visit www.paplayhouse.org.