By Lindsey Lundholm
More than 30 years ago, The Foreigner was voted the Best New American Play in the nation. Today, it still seems to be a crowd favorite as every seat in the Caine Lyric Theater in Logan, Utah fills up with people to watch it. This production is directed by Lacy J. Dunn and is about Charlie Baker (Chris Klinger), a quiet visitor from the UK, who hides out in a Georgia fishing lodge. Because he is shy, he and his friend Froggy (Michael W.D. Francis) hatch a plan to keep Charlie from talking to the chatty residents of the lodge. By pretending he can’t speak English, he isn’t required to talk anymore. However, this puts him in a funny position as he begins to learn everyone’s secrets and the results are hilarious and shocking. This play, though it may have a few cuss words and an intense scene toward the end, is recommended for everyone. Young children sit on their parent’s laps and cute elderly couples snuggle close as teenagers snap selfies before the show. There is a happy and light atmosphere in the theatre. A carefree and comfortable energy seems to rest on everyone and changes into excitement as the lights dim, signaling the play is about to start. Everyone is pumped for this play to begin.
The first thing I noticed was the set, designed by Joshua Roberts. He creates the perfect quaint fishing lodge. There is a window on the set that has a view to the outside, and looks very realistic. The lighting is also done by Roberts. His skill is evident during a thunderstorm as lightning strikes bounce around the set. Bryan Z. Richards’ skills also are used as he designs sounds like thunder and rain throughout the play. Mandolynn Browning does a spectacular job with the costumes. Each character has a distinct style that fits well with the time and place of the play. I especially loved the costumes for Owen Musser, the antagonist. He wore flannel shirts with the sleeves cut off and low hanging pants. It really made his jerk persona believable. From the very beginning, the sound of laughter is a constant response to almost every line and action coming from the stage. My friend and I laughed along with everyone as the story continued to unfold. I didn’t think it was possible to get any funnier—but it did.
The comedic genius and group cohesion of the actors is undeniable. Cameron Blankenship plays the hilarious and crowd-favorite Ellard Simms, the young brother of one of the housemates, who is assumed to be a ‘half-wit’ by some of the others, until he ‘teaches’ Charlie English. Klinger does a masterful job as his character morphs and changes throughout the show from a shy man into a hilarious storyteller. Michael W.D. Francis as Froggy is funny in a quiet, understated way. Katie Francis plays the sister of Ellard and fiancé of Reverend David Lee. Her spunk and attitude is dynamic and it is obvious she is really enjoying her character. Mitch Shira as the reverend does a wonderful job of playing a demure and kind man of God. Watch this one. Shira acts so well, you won’t see it coming. Betty Meeks, played by Vicki Pugmire, is the energy-filled homeowner that loves Charlie because he is a foreigner. Finally, Christobal Iniguez Perez plays Owen Musser, the stereotypical meathead, redneck who hates Charlie and tries to get him to leave the lodge—and worse. He does a fabulous job of playing the bad guy.
The phenomenal acting combined with the great directing and designing makes this play a must see for everyone. I recommend The Foreigner to all who love comedy and great acting. As soon as the play was over, I wanted to see it again and so will you.
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Lyric Repertory Company presents The Foreigner by Larry Shue
Caine College of the Arts, Caine Lyric Theatre, 28 West Center, Logan, UT 84322
July 8, 11, 19, 26, 29, Aug 1, 2017 7:30 PM
Tickets: $15-30
Contact: 435-797-8022
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