After almost 80 years, The Man Who Came to Dinner still has lots of life. That obnoxious man the Stanleys had to host has only gotten more obnoxious. I've dubbed the Patio Playhouse production, running through December 16, "T.T.O.T.T." - Totally Over the Top. And what fun it is!
Under Connie Boyd's direction, virtually all the principles seem to be having fun with their characters. Patrick McBride gives irascible Sheridan Whiteside an edge that keeps every other character totally on edge. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley (Peggy Schneider and Patrick McKim), their odd daughter, Harriet (Marlene Garstang), and her siblings who are bent on fleeing the homestead, Richard and June (Jonathan Rossall and Mae West) make up an increasingly dysfunctional household. After all, who could possibly live with that arrogant critic (or any critic) and his flustered nurse, Miss Preen (Carri-Lynn Cameron)?
One of the totally normal principals is Whiteside's secretary, Maggie Cutter, ably portrayed by Karen Spafford. He is attended by bumbling, mush–mouthed Dr. Bradley (David Garstang), recovering from his sprain in spite of the abuse heaped upon the good physician.
An equal to McBride's Whiteside is April Boatman's star actress, Lorraine Sheldon. She wears her emotions on her sleeve and everywhere else. Her range runs from insane exuberance to dour depression. The parrying of wills between Sheldon and Whiteside is classic.
Director Boyd's interpretation of The Man Who Came To Dinner feels right for this dowager of a show. It may be almost 80, but the feel is very much 21st century. The strong cast is backed up by a fine behind-the-scenes group including the designers, constructors and operations personnel. Stage Manager Kat Perhach deserves special kudos for getting her cast to the right entrance at the right time.
This is another one of those productions that is just fun to see.
