KCMETROPOLIS.org
Kansas City's Online Journal of the Performing Arts

Sophocles once said, "Truly, to tell lies is not honorable; but when the truth entails tremendous ruin, to speak dishonorably is pardonable." Playwright Marc Camoletti perhaps had this observation in mind when he wrote the comedy "Don't Dress for Dinner." Adapted by Robin Hawdon, the play takes place during a dinner party - and simply put, is the story of a husband, a wife, a mistress, a best friend and the cook. Each character weaves elaborate deceptions, either for reputation, love or money. The hilarity of the story is the resulting chaos when the lies start piling up.

Directed by Dennis D. Hennessy, "Don't Dress for Dinner" is part of the New Theatre's season. Headlined by Jamie Farr of" M*A*S*H" fame, the show also features some very talented Kansas City actors.

My favorite character was Suzette, the cook hired by Bernard. She is the only one who benefits from the confusing situation. She demands, and gets, $100 each time she has to remember a new lie. Cathy Barnett plays this role with great enthusiasm and is an absolute pleasure to watch. Suzette is completely in control, and we are never left in doubt of her intentions.

Jamie Farr portrays Bernard, the husband who has invited all the dinner guests. When the evening doesn't go according to his plan, Bernard becomes the expert puppet-master who manipulates his dear friend Robert into lying for him. Farr is very funny, but never steps beyond the bounds of realism, as many comic actors are inclined to do. Despite his character's situation, Farr remains a dignified presence on stage.

Jim Korinke, another talented local, is Robert. A mostly loyal friend to Bernard, Robert is something of a pushover. I wanted Robert to clarify his goals. Seeing how he couldn't win, why didn't he just leave the party? Is he attracted to Suzette, and so he stays? However, when all is said and done, the audience sympathizes most with Robert, and Korinke has an everyman quality that audiences relate to.

Merle Moores, another longtime Kansas City actor, plays Bernard's wife, Jacqueline. She seems a bit devious, but at the same time she is easily duped by outrageous lies. Moores has some nice comic bits, but tends to play them directly to the audience. Her best moment comes when she reveals her lover in an attempt to get back at her husband. The audience absolutely roared.

The gold-digger Suzanne is played by Heidi Van. Suzanne is simply looking for the man with the largest bank account. She has a great exchange with Jacqueline, where she is simultaneously sympathizing and hiding her own involvement with Jacqueline's husband.

Vincent Onofrio Monachino plays the cameo role of George, Suzette's husband. A big man, he demonstrates excellent physicality and spot-on comic timing.

Jason Coale's set was beautiful. The numerous doors, a staple in this kind of comedy, did not look exaggerated in the lovely converted-barn home. The colors were modern and the furniture attractive. I especially enjoyed the touches of decoration inside the rooms the audience could barely see. Sean Dane was the properties designer, and we saw his touches all over the set. The little knickknacks made the house look lived-in without being messy or cluttered.

Roger Stoddard's sound design was professional, with some fun thrown in. The microphone levels were perfect: high enough so the audience could hear but subtle enough that I soon forgot they were using them. Randy B. Winder's lights were simple and functional; my favorite part of the design was the light coming in through the windows, indicating dusk and nighttime. Mary Traylor's costumes were lovely and well-fitted.

Some of the blocking in the show seemed strange. For example, Jacqueline makes a big reveal in Act 2, which prompts one character to threaten another (I don't want to give too much away!). During this whole exchange, the characters are upstage by the door, behind the furniture. Surely this moment would be more engaging if it were downstage?

Although the show revolves around love affairs, there isn't much passion between the characters. This is not necessarily a criticism, just an observation. This definitely makes the show more family friendly than it would be otherwise, but perhaps some of the comedy is lost with the passion.

On the whole, the show is extremely entertaining. I laughed throughout and left remembering many of the funny moments during the performance. I had a wonderful time, and you will too.

REVIEW:
New Theatre Restaurant
"Don't Dress for Dinner"
Runs now through June 21
For tickets call 913-649-SHOW or online at www.newtheatre.com