By Mira Kocherhans
In Centerville, CenterPoint Legacy Theatre presents Cash on Delivery, a British farce that takes physical comedy and crossed wires to the next level. Cash on Delivery is a play that has been done again and again and author Michael Cooney’s ingenious writing is to thank for that. Cash on Delivery is fast-paced and by the end, you are exhausted in the best of ways, having kept up with the multi-level shenanigans of the plot.
If any audience memeber is straining under an overload of things to keep track of, seeing what Eric Swan (Drew Anderson) has to keep up with may alleviate some of that stress. Swan finds himself in quite a bit of hot water when his insurance scams become too much for him and he wants out. He wants escape his situation without anyone getting hurt, but also hopes no one finds out; he ropes in his lodger Norman Bassett (Mitch Daley) to help get him out of his mess. Lies are toppled upon lies and, unsurprisingly, chaos quickly ensues.
Anderson as Eric Swan is a solid center in the anarchy of the play. The swift switches of his facial expressions, from being mind-boggled to instantly hiding that confusion to avoid suspicion, is consistently entertaining.
Jessica Turner as Linda Swan brings a soap opera quality in her performance that raises the absurdity of the situation beautifully. Daley as Norman Bassett is a stand-out player. His eccentric physicality and his comedic timing are superb and transform the play in a way that makes audiences as if they are watching a cartoon. He maintains a high-registered, giddy accent throughout the play that never gets old. Mr. Jenkins is often a pious character, but J.J. Bateman brings a delightful energy to the character, playing him as an apprehensive lackey. His honesty specifically hits home the humor of his anxiousness. This different approach is an excellent, refreshing choice.
In secondary roles, Uncle George (Jason Wadsworth) and Sally Chessington (Stacey Haslam) bring exuberant spirit each time they step onstage. Randy Honaker as Doctor Chapman does more with his part than one would think the script would grant. His cheery, zen nature in the midst of the discord is an engaging contrast to the panic every other character holds. Mr. Forbright (Tom Rudd) and Brenda Dixon (Pamela Jensik) aren’t onstage for much of the play but they make the most of each minute, bringing distinctive personalities to their characters. The entire cast makes for a lovely ensemble and each actor is so specific with their role that each character may as well be the “main” character. There is a buildup to the introduction of Ms. Cowper and when Katie Drake comes onstage, she does not disappoint. Immediately, it’s apparent why Jenkins is so terrified of her. Entrances are everything and it’s an impressive skill when an actor can portray so much about who they are in a single moment. Drake does this masterfully.
Cash on Delivery contains every genre of comedy, ranging from slapstick to sheer wit and Director Kyle Esposito uses every one to its full extent. It is clear that Esposito lets the actors explore and find out quirks and shticks for themselves, which allows for an array of humor to be explored. The iconic comedic stunts of this play could be executed more outlandishly or creatively and I would have been fine with it, but the fervor and high-intensity emotions that exude from the actors in those high-stakes moments make this understatement a nonissue. I loved it.
The behind the scenes crew for a production like this is paramount. Derek Walden’s sound design is the cherry on top of scenes that are already hilarious, made even more so by a brilliantly placed sound effect. Brian Hahn’s set is perfectly simple and the numerous doorways make for a perfect environment for chaos to ensue.
CenterPoint Legacy Theatre has made a guaranteed night of enjoyment for those who see their Cash on Delivery. Not only is it wildly hilarious, but it has moments where it impresses that despite the pandemonium life can bring, those who are close to you can be counted on to see you safely through that tumult. This play contains some alcohol use and innuendo. Making your way to CenterPoint in Centerville is making your way to a night of hilarity and reveling in the chaos of life.
CenterPoint Legacy Theatre Presents Cash on Delivery, by Michael Cooney.
CenterPoint Legacy Theatre, 525 N 400 W, Centerville, UT 84014
Aug 9-31, 2019, 7:00 PM
Tickets: $15 Adults, All Seats Reserved
www.centerpointtheatre.org
CenterPoint Legacy Theatre Facebook Page
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