Ira Wallach's The Absence of a Cello explores that special terror of getting hired. Ex-physics professor Andrew Pilgrim (Donal Pugh) is in the interview process. His wife, Celia Pilgrim (Kathy Hardman), a renowned authority in her field, and he quickly learn that deception is the only way to get a job with "Corporate America." In consort with the deception is their daughter, Joanna Pilgrim (Jennifer Cruz), and Andrew's sister, Marian Jellicoe (Jeannine Morton), along with neighbor Emma Littlewood (Lois Corbett) and her grandson, Perry (Jonathan Kabacek). The object of their combined masquerade is a pompous, cliche-ridden interviewer, Otis Clifton (Eric West). The Absence of a Cello has all the appropriate twists and turns of good comedy. Ira Wallach creates many obviously funny lines guaranteed to elicit an audience reaction, however he also develops some delightful situational humor, which cuts more deeply as satire on corporate culture.
Donal Pugh, Andrew, works hard at being an angry frustrated man out of his element. Seen through his burst of anger is the underlying desperation of a middle-aged, unemployed man -- especially since, like most men, his self value is in his productive work ethic. Kathy Hardman, as the wife, also runs an interesting gamut of emotions as the pressure increases. It is Eric West, Otis, acting as a catalyst, who commands the stage as he struts and is obnoxiously arrogant. West pulls of the role with elan. He also presents another side of his character, the vulnerability, quite convincingly. Jeannine Morton, Marian, counters much of the tension as she cheerily brings a smile to her lines and a bounce to her character. Lois Corbett as kleptomaniac neighbor Emma, gives her role just the right scatter-brained tone necessary for this eccentric. Jennifer Cruz, as daughter Joanna, and Jonathan Kakacek, as Emma's grandson, round out the cast. He, full of male teenage hormones, and she, constantly fending him off, serve as an important subplot element and charm many in the audience.
First-time set designer, Gordon C. Jones, creates a believable Manhattan apartment. The set is flawlessly lit by Bob Eisele. Michael Shapiro's sound design sets the mood with his pre show selections. His between-acts cello solos create a tone for Act II and carry the theme of the title. Lois Corbett and Dee Quiroz's costumes design is appropriate.
The Absence of a Cello is an interesting, humorous commentary on corporate cultures. Though he must have been tempted, Eric West does not give the audience anything to like about his character -- a job well done.
