By Gary Wien
originally published: 02/02/2006
(LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- The New Jersey Repertory Company opened its 8th season with "Tour de Farce" by Philip LaZebnik and Kingsley Day on January 28th. The extremely entertaining show continues through February 26st.
Starring Ames Adamson (a familiar face to NJ Rep audiences) and Prentiss Benjamin in a madcap adventure involving the author of “Marriage is Forever” and his wife, a senator and his mistress, a local television reporter and her Swedish cameraman, a bellboy, maid and an accordion-playing nun all somewhat trapped in a rather indistinguishable hotel in a city somewhere along the author’s book tour.
Oh yeah, and all of the characters are played by Ames and Prentis!
It’s a zany hour and a half that will thoroughly entertain you as apparent by the steady laughter throughout the audience on opening night. Similar to the style of Neil Simon, the play is a true farce taking on several issues (such as marriage infidelity, political hanky panky, and the media) at the same time in rather ludicrous fashion.
In spite of the rapid fire character changes and the idea of ten characters portrayed by two actors, this is perhaps one of the most mainstream plays you will ever see on the NJ Rep stage. And judging by the response of the audience, I’d bet the company gains several new subscribers during this run. So the idea of doing something without killer vegetables yet still a little off of the standard path might be a good way to introduce people to this fine company’s largely experimental and challenging work.
The premise behind “Tour de Farce” is that Herb Gladney, the author of the self help guide “Marriage is Forever” and his wife Rebecca are pretending to maintain their own marriage through a book tour. They are in town to ap- pear on the local talk show hosted by Pam Blair. Unfortunately, Pam Blair shows up at their hotel room early and overhears an argument. She then decides to catch Herb in an affair to make her career take off. Meanwhile, a senator is arranging for a tryst and somehow gains access to the suite occupied by the Gladneys. As people go in and out of the rooms, you really have to leave logic aside and just enjoy the ride. There are loads and loads of hilarious situations and brilliant one-liners spread throughout.
In a way, the play reminds me of a live action cartoon for adults (maybe because Ames’ accent for the senator sounded a bit like Yosemite Sam to me). It’s funny, silly and a little insightful all wrapped up in one. Ames Adamson is absolutely wonderful in capturing five different voices and personas. My favorites are his take on the senator and Gunnar, the Swedish camerman. Prentiss Benjamin (the daughter of actor Richard Benjamin) does a fine job as well although I think the play really didn’t need her maid and nun characters. Those two extra voices and personas were unnecessary. They added a laugh or two here or there but wouldn’t have been missed at all. I would have prefered to see just how much extra she could have developed the three main roles without the extra burden.
Nevertheless, “Tour de Farce” is highly recommendable. From the beginning to the end (probably the most imaginative curtain call I have ever seen) this is a truly enjoyable play that will leave you with a smile as you leave the theatre.
About the author:
Gary Wien has been covering the arts since 2001 and has had work published with Jersey Arts, Upstage Magazine, Elmore Magazine, Princeton Magazine, Backstreets and other publications. He is a three-time winner of the Asbury Music Award for Top Music Journalist and the author of
Beyond the Palace (the first book on the history of rock and roll in Asbury Park) and
Are You Listening? The Top 100 Albums of 2001-2010 by New Jersey Artists. In addition, he runs New Jersey Stage and the online radio station
The Penguin Rocks. His personal website is at
lightyscorner.com. He can be contacted at
[email protected].
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