Playwrights Jean and Sam Bobrick have captured the difference in the lifestyles of two generations in Weekend Comedy. This laugh-a-minute comedy is the current offering of New Vision Theater Company playing at Oceanside's Sunshine Brooks Theater. Not only is the play written by a husband and wife team, it is directed by one, Yolanda and John Kalb. The collaboration of both teams works.
The setting is a one-bedroom vacation rental house. The trauma is that it was inadvertently rented to two couples. Frank (David Netteland) and Peggy (Naomi Olson) are a middle-aged couple who've had ups and downs in marriage. Tony (Trever Falconi) and Jill (Alexandra Erlandson) have been living together for a few years. Tony is happy with the arrangement, while Jill would prefer a total commitment.
All the characters are well defined. Frank is a blustery type. He owns his own business and is used to doing everything his way. Peggy, while not submissive, defers to him when necessary, while being the normalizing factor in their marriage. Tony portrays the early stages of some of Frank's traits. He consistently thinks he knows best. We all know what that leads to! Jill is her own woman and is not about to be dictated to by her lover.
The clash between these stereotypical characters is amusing. Erlandson is a master of physical reactions. Her looks are exclamation points to many scenes. The script allowed Olson to send out delightful barbs with panache.
The ladies had many of the best lines in Weekend Comedy, while both men are often responsible for the straight, reactive roles. Occasionally the scripted humor seemed forced, but the cast, for the most part, master the delivery.
John Kalb's realistic set includes a living room, kitchen, dining room and entryway of the cabin. The wide stage allows for interesting blocking as the dynamics of the various relationships vary. The uncredited sound design offers music that underscored the flavor of this play set in 1987.
The costumes appear to be authentic to the period. Tony, the younger male, seems over-dressed for a vacation. Jill's wearing of very high heels is also a bit much for the mountain location. Weekend Comedy is a slightly over-the-top fun fest that highly pleases the audience. What rough edges there are should disappear quickly.
