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A CurtainUp Connecticut Review
Loot
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Reading isn't an occupation we encourage among police officers —
Truscott explaining limitations his men have in dealing with criminal investigations.
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Zach Wegner is confronted by David Manis
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Orton's play is currently in a spirited, well-acted production at the Westport Country Playhouse. It, may not startle so much now with its casual, comic approach to dead bodies, thinly veiled homosexuality and disrespect for religion and authority, but it remains a neatly structured farce with plenty of verbal gymnastics worthy of Wilde or Stoppard.
Orton's few, but significant works in the 1960s invigorated the British theater. He took the middle class, which George Bernard Shaw had earlier skewered, and literally, and sometimes physically, pulled its trousers down.
Loot takes place in London in the 1960s and is set in the non-descript, rather tatty sitting room of the residence of a Mr. McLeavy (John Horton), whose wife has recently met an unfortunate (and suspicious) death and currently rests in a coffin, center stage. McLeavy is comforted in his mourning by Fay (Liv Rooth) his wife's nurse who has a curious resume which includes seven husbands all dispatched to heaven or elsewhere by forces unknown.
Fay is definitely a "looker." In addiction to a pert attractiveness she also possesses a one-track mind which centers on marrying the widowers of her clients, sending them to join their spouses and pocketing their money.
Complicating the burial day are the devious plans of McLeavys son, Hal (Devin Norik), an unstable, larcenous lad and his "mate" Dennis (Zach Wegner) an undertaker whose establishment abuts a local bank. Hal and Dennis have dug their way from the undertaking parlor to the bank and have made off with a bundle of neatly stacked pounds sterling. Their "loot" is currently under lock and key in a wardrobe which sits at the rear of the sitting room.
With everyone's plans for the future tied to the days activities, things go topsy-turvy with the arrival of a Mr. Truscott (David Manis) who claims to be from the Water Board but whose persona suggests Scotland Yard. He seems to be on the trail of something, or someone, but even he cant quite figure out what it is. Spouting dead pan epigrams about justice, the law and the art of investigation, he is a delightful character that fuels this sometimes obvious comedy.
In the tradition of farce, the body of Mrs. McLeavy and the money, trade places over and over again with increasing hysteria building among the thieves and their greedy partners. Truscott himself ultimately adopts a peculiar logic that allows him to be counted in on the distribution of the loot.
David Kennedy has directed with a swift, sure hand and has drawn near perfect performances from his cast. Mains is a treasure as the blustering investigator whether puffing on his pipe (hoping someone will make a connection to Sherlock Holmes?), or using the late Mrs. McLeavys false teeth as castanets. Rooth is a delectable stewardess like murderess, ever at the ready with tea, drink or poison. The joke is she is too dumb to realize with her looks she could get anything she wanted without risking the gallows.
As the two mates, Norik is funny as a slightly bonkers fellow who cant tell a lie and Wegner is intriguing as the bi-sexual bank robber. Both good looking blokes display a welcome affinity for off-the-wall humor.
As the much put-upon McLeavy, Horton gains our sympathy and William Peden strikes the right attitude as a local policeman. The set by Andrew Boyce is apt and atmospheric, meaning drab. Emily Rebholz's costume nail the characters without looking particularly dated. Sound designer Fitz Patton supplies some jazzy music to accompany the opening of both scenes.
Loot is a jolly treat for fans of the playwright and for those who have yet to be introduced to his wild talent cut short by an early death. (Another story.)
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Loot by Joe Orton Directed by David Kennedy Cast: John Horton (McLeavy), David Manis (Truscott), Devin Norik (Hal), William Peden (Meadows), Liv Rooth (Fay), Zach Wegner (Dennis). Scenic design: Andrew Boyce Costume design: Emily Rebholz Lighting Design: Matthew Richards Original music and sound design: Fitz Patton Dialect coach: Deborah Hecht] Fight director: Michael Rossmy Props master: Carianne Hoff Running time: 2 hours including one 15 minute intermission. Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, off U.S. Rte. 1, Westport, Ct. Through August 3. Performances Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., matinees, Wednesdays at 2 and Saturdays and Sundays at 3. Tickets start at $30. Call the box office at (203) 227-4177, toll free at 1-888-927-7529 or online at http://www.westportplayhouse.org/. Reviewed by Chesley Plemmons July 21. |
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