REVIEW - Bedroom Farce at the Adobe

Review by Barry Gaines for the Albuquerque Journal July 14, 2008

Alan Ayckbourne’s “Bedroom Farce” opened to a full house at the Adobe Theater. Sir Alan’s frenetic comedy features four married couples and explores their intertwined relationships. My first reaction to the two-and-a-quarter-hour production is that it is superficial in content and presentation, but perhaps I am asking too much of a light summer comedy.

Three bedrooms dominate Bob Byers’s set design, and the action shifts from bedroom to bedroom (and bed to bed) aided by Zane Barker’s lighting. One bedroom is occupied by Earnest and Delia, an older couple who wickedly contemplate celebrating their anniversary with sardines on toast points—in bed! Earnest is worried about a leak in the roof, but both are concerned about their son Trevor. After a fling with down-to-earth Jan, Trevor married the volatile Susannah, and the couple is having marital (bedroom) problems. Another bedroom belongs to Jan and her husband Nick. Nick has hurt his back and is bedridden (and floor-ridden). Jan, tired of playing nursemaid, goes to a housewarming party given by Kate and Malcolm, who occupy the central bedroom. Trevor and Susannah attend the party as well, and controlled chaos ensues.

Ayckbourne is one of England’s most prolific playwrights, known for his witty dialogue, clever construction, and comic exploration of middle-class angst. All of these are present in “Bedroom Farce” (1975), but, despite the 70s hairstyles and Judy Buehler’s polyester-laden costumes, the play shows its age. Director Taunya Crilly sets a rapid pace at the play’s beginning, but after intermission the dialogue and action become repetitive and the situation loses its savor, like chewing gum on the bedpost.

As Earnest and Delia, Hugh Witemeyer and Ninette S. Mordaunt do a fine job presenting a couple comfortable with themselves and each other. When conveying his character’s surprise, Witemeyer’s expressive eyes resemble two ping-pong balls. The script demands that Remy Rotenier perform Nick while continuously recumbent and complaining. Morgain Davidson perseveres as Jan. Jenny Miller is all tantrums, tirades, and tears as Susannah. Jennifer M. Lloyd again demonstrates her comic skills as Kate, and Matt Heath uses a sputtering Scottish accent to convey Malcolm’s frustration. These are highly capable actors whom I have praised in the past, but I find precious little in the text or performances to explain their attraction to each other. Newcomer Joseph M. West plays Trevor from the outside in. His grimaces, shrugs, and gestures are reminiscent of the Hugh Grant school of acting. But should I be looking for motivation in this breezy text with its sight gags and slapstick? Isn’t it enough to be an unashamed (and undemanding)

“Bedroom Farce”? “Bedroom Farce” by Alan Ayckbourne plays at the Adobe Theater, 9813 Fourth NW, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through August 3. $12 general public, $10 seniors and students. Call 898-9222 for ticket information