An overwrought director, Richard Hyde-Finch (played by Martin Thompson) is so involved with his own ego that he misses the boat that his latest production, “Whispers on the Wind” is truly magical theatre at its essence. He is dealing with a possessive wife, Cilia (Meranda Walden); insecure actors, Michael Craig (Richard Hoyt-Miller); and over eager audience members, Jack and Ruth Tisdale (John Combs; Gail Johnston). As unprepared for life his cast is, the director is determined that the ‘show must go on, and go according to his plan. ‘Opening Night’ is an extremely well put together conceit, a ‘play within a play,’ as it were. Norm Foster, Canadian playwright, created this hilarious comedy, which almost presents itself as an ongoing standup comedy routine, with each shtick and slapstick joke or one liner playing off the next. With five intense weeks of rehearsal, the cast was extremely prepared to ‘do havoc’ upon its first audience, especially on ‘opening night,’ and found it refreshing and also bizarre to hear people actually laughing hysterically… and to just go with it. The cast members, most of whom do not come from a comically trained background, but more of the dramatic nature, found it both a challenge and inspiration. Some of the actors, quite Boothian in nature, British accents and all, were playing farmers and country folk. For instance, Clayton Fry ( David Hunt Stafford) is quite befuddled at his daughter’s (Ilona Kulinska) perceptions of life. This actress’ extreme physical attributes were her calling card, with the director appearing to be falling madly in love (or lust) with her.

The show was done in a style of complete slapstick, a la The Three Stooges. The play had Shakespearean undertones as well, with talk of the director’s next play being The Tempest. With lines so eloquent and yet also tongue in cheek, it was reminiscent of “All’s Well that Ends Well.” As one fellow audience remarked, “It was an in joke, out take extravaganza.”

Many of the characters doubled up, playing multiple roles. For instance, a waiter also played a Shakespearean woman from the Tempest. The show beamed with brilliance… from the direction, acting, and writing. Even the set decorators were deserving of applause, proving yet again, what Theatre 40, Beverly Hills, is most well known for: putting on a stellar production. The audience is quite the integral part of the production as well, in true Shakespearean fashion.

Bonnie Priever for Examiner.com
May 28, 2013