REVIEW: FreeFALL’s “PERFECT ARRANGEMENT” is Important Lesson

My friend and fellow theatre critic saw FreeFall's "Perfect Arrangement" on January 31. This is his review.

Written by Drew Eberhard

Picture it 1950’s Washington D.C, in the midst of the Truman Era, and only what those who witnessed it first hand, or the avid history buff would know as the “Lavender Scare.” This is and was the setting of a truly poignant and endearing two hours that those of us in Wednesday’s audience had the privilege to experience.

Topher Payne has a strong piece on his hands, and FreeFALL does it the upmost justice. For someone like me, coming to the show I knew nothing of the “Lavender Scare” and only a handful of minute factoids about the Truman Administration. However, as the riveting two hours reared on I felt myself invested in each of the characters portrayed on stage.

In Post-war America we find ourselves witness to loosened Social Structures, where Women, Minorities, and LGBTQ individuals almost find themselves marginalized amongst the greater good. That greater good however, being fueled by hypocrisy and the idea that even though we are living in a Post-War Society; those of us marginalized are at war with Political Vs. Personal choices.

Enter four “seemingly normal” individuals, Bob Martindale, Millie Martindale, Norma Baxter, and Jimmy Baxter. The four apparent friends are throwing what seems to be a small gathering at their duplex; Bob’s boss Ted and his wife Kitty also in attendance. Bob works for the Government and has the highest security clearance just under his boss Ted. Kitty played gloriously and dimwitted to the point where my sides were splitting by the fabulous Donna Delonay made every minute she was on stage feel like a sketch comedy act. Between the antics of Kitty and the two couples I felt like I was in a mashup of an “I Love Lucy” episode in the thrawls of a Pleasentville-esque setting. It was enjoyable every minute, and the camaraderie between the four actors who make up the couples living in the duplex truly exemplified the idea of a “Perfect Arrangement.”

Jim Baxter played by Rob Glauz was almost a mix of Sheldon Cooper meets Jack McFarland in the best ways possible. The Truman-era had a moment where they were trying to rid the country of what they deemed to be “Communist” and “Deviants” the underlying truly being the exile of Homosexuals. Bob Martindale the head of the Operation task force played exceptionally well by Michael David, has almost a Lassiez-Faire type approach. All he wants to do is protect what’s his and he will do anything to make sure there is no intereference even if it means his job. However, Bob has two sides, just like there are two sides to every story, it’s the choices one makes that truly defines them as a person.

Jessie Taylor plays the ne’er do well housewife incredibly well, almost to the point where I felt like Bree VanDeCamp from “Desperate Housewives” was in front of me, and that is a truly exceptional feat worth mentioning as she could give Marcia Cross a run for her money any day. Norma Baxter played by the incredibly talented Megan Therese Rippey, is the kind of Secretary you’ve always wanted to work with, and the kind of women any man in the 1950’s would dream of coming home to. I had a moment of ache when she bellowed out a cry to the point of heartbreak only to be reminded of Lucy when she cries, maybe it was the hair and 1950’s attire, but I was stunned from the moment she entered the stage. Barbara Grant played by Nichole Hamilton was one bad girl, and she played bad really well. Imagine Karen Walker meets Bettie Davis; she’s coming for what she wants and is not afraid to take it no matter the cost. All I can say is I was here for it, and Jimmy Baxter had it right when he said, “God, you’re Fabulous.” Ted Sunderson played by Patrick Ryan Sullivan had an almost “Good Night, Good Luck” approach. I felt like I was in the middle of a Scorsese film and wanted more, truly a standout every time he graced the stage, his powerful voice carried through the walls and was the perfect form of dominance in an oppressed society.

Like I said before Director Eric Davis had his work cut out for him with this exceptionally strong narrative in Topher Payne’s “Perfect Arrangement”. The cast, crew, and production staff exceeded far and above to the point where after two hours I felt humbled about where this world has been, and where it has the potential to go. So what exactly is this “Perfect Arrangement,” you ask? Well do yourself a favor and see for yourself now through March 3 at FreeFALL Theatre. It truly was a “Perfect” night had by all, where all it took was a poignant moment to teach us the hardest lesson of all.