Virginia (Luisa Sermol), Frank (Gary Schoenfeld, center) and James (Chris Reber) plan the next show. |
Presented by Hillbarn Theatre, it’s set in the master suite of a luxurious Manhattan townhouse where several people are awaiting the reviews after the opening of a play, “The Golden Egg.”
Playwright Peter (Ryan C. Cordero) gives a blessing to producer Julia (April Green). |
Among them is the producer, Julia (April Green), their hostess. Also on hand are the playwright, Peter (Ryan C. Cordero); the kleptomaniac director, Frank (Gary Schoenfeld); and the drug-and alcohol-abusing star, Virginia (Luisa Sermol).
They’re joined by the playwright’s friend,
James (Chris Reber). The male lead role was written for him, but he bowed out
and went on to a successful TV series.
Also on hand are an acerbic critic, Ira (Jesse
Caldwell); and an aspiring Broadway actor, Gus (Josiah Frampton), who’s
checking coats for a party downstairs.
Early in the play, James is on a phone call in
which he says the play is a total turkey, but otherwise he keeps his opinion to
himself.
Later, it’s no surprise that James was right.
Some of the reviews are downright scathing.
Nevertheless, by the end of the play, everyone
wants to keep the show open and to start planning the next one.
Much more transpires before then, but most of
it involves extreme overacting by everyone except Reber as James. He seems to
be the only one who’s not too loud and excitable.
Hence, the show loses much of its satirical
edge. Director Steve Muterspaugh must bear most of the responsibility for this
flaw.
Nevertheless, the show has some amusing
moments, especially when they involve the name-dropping of plays and
celebrities. Gus, the coat checker, also produces some laughs when he hauls in
coats belonging to the casts of shows like “The Lion King” and “Hamilton.”
Still, this is definitely a show for adults
with its drug use, profane language and Gus’s bawdy, off-key rendition “Defying
Gravity” from “Wicked.”
The applause-worthy set is by Kuo-Hao Lo. The costumes,
hair and makeup are by Valerie Bradshaw, while Amber G. Watts did the lighting
and James Goode did the sound.
Running about two hours and 10 minutes with
one intermission, “It’s Only a Play” will continue through Oct. 27 at Hillbarn
Theatre, 1285 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City.
Photos by Mark Kitaoka and Tracy Martin