Page 29 - DeSales 1977

C harley’s Aunt: Finesse Of

Laughter By DAN SIGLEY
Globe-Times Reviewer
With the energy and finesse of a Los Angeles Rams !
quarterback, Charley Wykeham’s aunt, lately of
Brazil “where the nuts come from,'' whirled onto
the stage of Allentown College last night bringing
with her gales of laughter and a reminder that
what’s funny is funny, and likely to remain so.
“ Charley’s Aunt,” Brandon Thomas’s ageless farce
actually seems fresh in the hands of the young cast
which director Marilyn Mays has propelled so
athletically through a series of pratfalls, mistaken
identities, double takes and endless chases. From
robust opening to witty curtain call the play is a
treat to eye and ear.
THE PLOT IS THIN but enough on which to hang
the monkeyshines which convulsed the full house.
Two Oxford students, intent on entertaining some
girls in their rooms, shanghai a third chum to imper­
sonate a widowed aunt who does not arrive in time
to act as chaperone.
The reluctant fake uses the charade to openly flirt
with the girls, torment the instigators and create a
series of plot twists too complex to outline here.
In the proceedings, every outrageous burlesque
trick in the bag is employed to full effect. And so it
should be, since they were probably originated in
this play.
THE CAST IS FAULTLESS.
Tim Cox as Lord Babberly, dressed up as the aunt,
gives a performance of comic perfection, and he
manages to retain his masculinity in some hilarious
scenes of counterfeit flirtation with several old for­
tune hunters.
As the other two students, Paul Carlin and James
Fyfe are properly scrubbed looking and constantly
starlted. Gerard Feiler is a wonderfully fussy butler.
The ladies, Maryanne Janus, Shelia Kelly, Maureen
Mahony and Michele Duracinsky, are exquisite as
the epitome of feminine coyness. In their magnifi­
cent costumes they could be porcelain figurines on
a lady’s night table.
Dennis McLernon and Stephen Slovenski effec­
tively round out this delightful cast.
Director Mays has provided some highly inventive
staging. An early scene in which a suitcase full of i
champagne is tossed around the stage like an over­
sized football is a piece of inspired direction and
consummate timing.
David Neville has provided another of his hand­
some settings and Brother James McCabe has ! i
lighted it perfectly. Suzanne Sheetz and Norma i
Jane True have dressed the actors in true Victorian i
elegance.
The play continues though Nov. 20. It’s a must for
anyone who likes to laugh.

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