INDUSTRY REVIEWS

‘Don’t Dress for Dinner’

Originally written in French, by Marc Camoletti and adapted/translated by Robin Hawdon, this

is a zany, over the top, slapstick sexual farce. Reminiscent of the whacky 1940s comedies,

the laughs are non-stop, the mating game fibs are flying, and the twists ‘n’ turns are

endless. Sort of a “who’s on first?” style, but in this romp, it’s more a case of “who’s on

who” (wink, wink, nudge, nudge). Presented by the dedicated, self producing Vagabond

Players, who formed in 1997, there are plenty of fun lovin’ giggles in this fluffy frolic. The

story takes place during a hilarious dinner party in a country home outside of Paris,

as the naughty deceptions multiply by the minute. Cozy set design by Michael McGee.

Under the madcap, fast paced direction of Lewis Hauser, the cast had a ball throughout!

Each of them succeeds in playing their roles with high energy, tongue-in-cheek, manic

spirit! Our hosts, Bernard (Michael Homeier) and his wife Jacqueline (Janine Pibal) have

invited their “best man” Robert (Brian Greene), to spend the weekend. Suzanne, the

gorgeous mistress (June Newberry), Suzette, the opportunistic hired cook, (Catherine

Michaels) and her volatile husband George, (David Ghilardi) quickly become entwined

in the marital madness. To avoid giving away the plot, I mustn’t tell you more. You’ll just

have to see it for yourself. The sassy costumes are fun, and the intentionally exaggerated

performances are a riot! If you’re in the mood for a frivolous farce, where the

bedrooms are used like “musical chairs,” this will strike your fancy.

“Don’t Dress for Dinner” runs weekends thru Aug. 6 at The Whitmore-Lindley Theatre,

11006 Magnolia Blvd. in NoHo. For seats and times, call (818) 206-4000