There’s something about summer that allows us to let go of our daily lives and slip into spaces that change our perception of the world. Couple this with two genuinely funny and savagely biting one-acts from a couple of accomplished absurdist playwrights, and you have the prescription for a delightful evening of “Summer Madness” at Germinal Stage-Denver.
Director Ed Baierlein serves up equal portions of novelist and playwright Paul Ableman’s 1968 Royal Shakespeare Company’s commission, “Madly in Love,” and Eugene Ionesco’s 1950 classic, “The Bald Soprano,” underscoring the continued relevancy and power of the theater of the absurd.
If Moliere were alive today, he would no doubt get a laugh out of “Madly in Love,” as it takes on modern psychiatry with the same vengeance he so mercilessly applied to the doctors, lawyers and clergy of his day.
Macfee (Terry Burnsed) pretends to be licensed like his boss, Macnair (Leroy Leonard), to woo Mary Todd (Elizabeth Parks), who has an “obedience compulsion,” while right under the noses of her parents — Mr. Todd (Baierlein) and Mrs. Todd (Betsy Grisard).
Warning: Electro-shock therapy is involved, and the playwright’s comments on love are hilarious.
Burnsed is a man possessed as his Macfee pursues Mary, a wonderfully droll Parks. Leonard’s Macnair is the perfect foil, an upright but ultimately pliable licensed shrink.
Much like a percussively punctuated Victor Borge routine, the theatrically enviable task of Baierlein — which he executes to perfection — is creating a nervous tic of such proportions that Macnair, through his impersonator, Macfee, must be called in to calm things down. Grisard is archetypically relentless as Mrs. Todd turns eagle-eyed watchdog over her defenseless daughter, Mary, and the devious Macfee.
After intermission, in Ionesco’s “The Bald Soprano,” the medical profession is again the target of some sharp barbs, while Mrs. Smith (Lori Hansen) and Mr. Smith (Leroy Leonard) await their guests, Mr. Martin (Terry Burnsed) and Mrs. Martin (Elizabeth Parks).
Ionesco made his mark with this play. It’s filled with memorable scenes that shed light on personal identity, memory, coincidence, appearances, and other slippery slopes, with relativistic abandon.
Hanson’s exaggerated pink house bonnet and red nose take the cake among the many endearingly goofy Sally Diamond costumes peppered throughout the two plays. Her opening monologue, periodically commented upon by Leonard’s fez-bedecked former navy swab, sets the tone for an incredibly rhythmic series of deconstructive dialogues.
Burnsed’s slick tuxedo takes second fiddle to his possessed penetrating eyes, as he and the fetching, elegant- gowned and jeweled Parks retrace the coincidences of their seeming marriage, before we are rudely surprised by the cheery Maid (Grisard), who informs us that the last detail of their conversation indicates they are not who they think they are. Finally, the outspoken Fire Chief (a commanding, confident Mark Branche) arrives to stoke the blaze.
Baierlein’s inventive staging lays bare these avant-garde works in a rare and insightful display that entertains and provokes. You won’t see these gems done better!
Bob Bows also reviews theater for KUVO/89.3 FM and for his own website, coloradodrama . He can be reached at bbows@coloradodrama.com.
“Summer Madness” ***1/2 (out of four stars)
Two absurdist one-acts presented by Germinal Stage-Denver, 2450 W. 44th Ave. Written by Paul Ableman (“Madly in Love”) and Eugene Ionesco (“The Bald Soprano”), translated by Donald M. Allen. Directed by Ed Baierlein. Starring Terry Burnsed, Betsy Grisard, Baierlein, Leroy Leonard, Elizabeth Parks, Lori Hanson and Mark Branche. Through Aug. 29. 2 hours.$17.75-$21.75. 303-455-7108.
This weekend’s theater openings
“Cups” Joni Sheram’s now well-traveled monologue of a woman’s personal journey told through the contours and curves of a lifetime of bras. Humorous anecdotes and poignant memories. Today and Saturday. At the Crested Butte Mountain Theatre, 403 Second St., 970- 349-0366, or
“In Search of the Wizard of Oz” An original adaptation of the classic odyssey taken by Dorothy and her pals the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and Toto to the imaginary land of Oz. Through Aug. 15. Arvada Festival Playhouse, 5665 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., 303-422-4090 or
“The Merry Wives of Windsor” One of Shakespeare’s silliest comedies is set in Windsor, Colo., population 30. It’s a small tent city by the Garden of the Gods. Nice people, mostly. A well-known fellow by the name of Sir John Falstaff has come to town thinking he’ll seduce some attractive married women. He and the rest of the Bard’s characters play out their story against spectacular outdoor scenery. Through Aug. 28. Presented by TheatreWorks at the Rock Ledge Ranch, Colorado Springs, 719-255-3232 or
“Oliver” Musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist,” the story of the street urchin who dared to ask for more. Songs include “Food, Glorious Food” and “Consider Yourself.” Through Aug. 21. StageDoor Theatre, 25797 Conifer Road, Conifer, 303-886-2819, 800-838-3006 or
“Praying for Secrets” In this original play written by Colorado State University-Pueblo professor W.S. Whited, two women are forced to confront the past when their daughters discover a 20-year-old secret about their father. Through Sept. 12. 73rd Avenue Theatre, 7287 Lowell Blvd., Westminster, 720-276-6936 or
“Tuesdays With Morrie” The stage adaptation of the best-selling Mitch Albom book about a self-centered writer whose priorities are set straight by a dying college teacher. Through Aug. 19. Backstage Theatre, 121 S. Ridge St., Breckenridge, 970-453-0199 or
“Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” A 1950s burlesque show celebrating the birth of rock ‘n’ roll. Featuring songs from Elvis and other icons. Hosted by Reyna Von Vett’s notorious alter ego, “Cora Vette,” and featuring a guest appearance by Pelvis. Performances Wednesdays only. Through Aug. 25. Presented by BurlyCute the Crossroads Theatre, 2590 Washington St., 720-308-5091 or
“The Wild Party” One crazy evening in the Roaring ’20s Manhattan apartment shared by Queenie and Burrs, a vaudeville dancer and a vaudeville clown. In a relationship marked by vicious recklessness (mirroring the era in which they live), they decide to throw the party to end all parties. Through Aug. 22. Presented by Gravity Defied at the Aurora Fox, 9900 E. Colfax Ave., 303-325-3959 or
“Year of the Women” This original piece is the culmination of a five-week immersion program in which 20 apprentices ages 13-18 have written, improvised and cobbled together comic scenes, dances, monologues and more into a unique celebration of mothers and daughters. Accompanied by members of the Aurora Symphony Orchestra. Through Aug. 21. Shadow Theatre Youth Ensemble, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora, 720-857-8000 or
Compiled by John Moore
This week’s video: The 2010 Henry Award winners
This video shows most of the winners’ names being announced at the Colorado Theatre Guild’s 2010 Henry Awards. The video includes post-awards commentary from one of the big winners of the night, Miners Alley Playhouse’s Robert Kramer. Video by John Moore. Running time: 10 minutes.
See and read more from the 2010 Henry Awards here
To read our live story from Monday’s Henry Awards with the complete list of winners,
To read our follow-up commentary on Miners Alley Playhouse’s big night,
To read the complete list of nominees,
To read the complete list of eligible productions,
Video:
Video:
Video:
Video:
Video:
Performance highlights from each of the evening’s six musical numbers.
Complete theater listings
Go to our complete list of in Colorado, including summaries, run dates, addresses, phones and links to every company’s home page. Or check out our listings or
The Running Lines blog
Catch up on John Moore’s roundup of theater news and dialogue:
