Review of 'The Underpants' at Connecticut Cabaret Theatre

Dedicated to all those who survived the violent storms on Tuesday and could use a hearty laugh

Berlin, CT - ‘The Underpants’ is a wild farce adapted by Steven Martin, of Saturday Night Live fame. This renowned comic actor and author of ‘Picasso at the Lapin Agile’ has written a wild satire adapted from the classic 1910 German farce ‘Die Hose’ by the playwright Carl Sternheim. The Connecticut Cabaret Theatre production of yet another play with an underwear theme opened on Friday evening to a packed house, including what Artistic Director Kris McMurray called a trifecta of theatre reviewers in the house. He also shared that when some clueless patrons inquired if Steve Martin would be appearing in the CCT production, he “told them yes,” but I doubt that anyone at opening night expected to see the wild and crazy guy in CT.

Click to read my review of the wonderful production of ‘Nana’s Naughty Knickers’ starring Lori Feldman as Nana that ended the CCT previous season. It was such a pleasure to meet Ms. Feldman before I was shown to my table; I am so glad that I was recognized as she and Bonnie Sprague (‘The Oldest Profession’) were volunteering as ushers for this CCT production and both introduced themselves.

‘The Underpants’ is a tale about Louise and Theo Markes, a couple whose conservative existence is shattered when Louise's bloomers fall down in public. Though she pulls them up quickly, Theo thinks the incident will cost him his job as a government clerk. Louise's momentary display does not result in the feared scandal but it does attract two infatuated men; and the two of them want to rent the spare room in the Markes' small home. Because he is oblivious of their infatuation, Theo splits the room between them, happy to collect rent from both Frank Versati, the foppish poet and Benjamin Cohen, the whiny hypochondriac barber.

Mr. McMurray served as both producer and director of one of his favorite farces, a comedy that he last directed more than ten years ago. James J. Moran took care of the technical design. The set was a charming old-fashioned country kitchen that was decorated with plenty of baskets and the requisite cuckoo clock. The costumes were without exception both perfect for the period and most flattering. The lines on the ensembles of the two ladies were exceptional.

It was a pleasure to see the lovely Ashley Ayala (the granddaughter in ‘Nana’s Naughty Knickers’) on the CCT stage again. This time she is the housewife with the slippery knickers and she shines in every way. Her wonderful sense of comic timing matched with a wonderful stage presence made for a great performance in the role of Frau Maske. Rick Bennett was convincing and funny as the chauvinistic Theo Maske; the audience laughed heartily at his blustery antics.

The lovely Barbara Horan (‘The Last Romance’) returned to this stage to play the only other female member of the cast, the upstairs nosy neighbor Gertrude Deuter. The wardrobe of this supporting character featured ensembles that were particularly lovely and flattering. Dave Wall (‘Nana’s’) returned to play the small role of Klinglehoff in classic lederhosen and a mustache to rival Hitler’s.

Russell Fish (‘The Fantasticks,’) another CCT veteran, played the role of Versati with a fine Italian accent and dramatic delivery. And what a special surprise at the end of the two acts to see Mr. McMurray himself enter the stage in the cameo role of the king.

With apologies to the artistic director, the standout performance award goes to James J. Moran as the (Jewish….shhhh) hypochondriac Cohen. Because I am used to seeing the talented Mr. Moran behind the scenes, I was thrilled to see his name on the cast list. He gave a polished and absolutely hysterical performance in this wonderfully written role. I look forward to seeing this talented actor on this stage in an upcoming production.

Come see this tightly produced production featuring a very strong cast. This farce is a bit ribald in spots, but rest assured that the underpants are modest by anyone’s standards and the actual dropping happens offstage. The opening night audience was a bit rowdy at times, but not really in an annoying way. They stood up and cheered at the end of the cast’s first performance before they cleared their cleared their tables as requested.

The Underpants runs every Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm from May 18th thru June 23rd, 2018. There are no performances May 25 and 26 due to the Memorial Day Weekend. Doors open at 7:15pm. Tickets are now on sale. ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS are accepted. To purchase tickets, please call the box office at 860-829-1248. Reservations are recommended. Ticket price $34.00. For more information, visit our website: www.ctcabaret.com The Connecticut Cabaret Theatre is located at 31 Webster Square Road,Visit the website for detailed directions. The Connecticut Cabaret Theatre is Central Connecticut premiere cabaret-style theatre, patrons are welcome to bring whatever they like to eat or drink with them, a believe me that they do.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues and she posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer a