A Utah Theater Review by Rebecca Gunyan
In September, Spanish Fork’s Harvest Moon Hurrah is the place to be. Starting the festivities this year is the two-year-old acting company, The Harvest Moon Hurrah Players, featuring a funny one-act play, Roomers.
Last night I was able to see Roomers, a show I am personally interested in because for a short while I was part of the cast. I had to leave the show for personal reasons, but was excited to see how the show was able to come together.
Roomers is a one-act comedy about a group of eclectic roommates who coexist in a flat in New York. From the bossy landlady to the man who owns vultures on the top of the roof, Roomers is a delightful look at unpredictable characters. The show was written by Jerome McDonough, a man more commonly known for his black comedy or horror, yet this show has none of that. It is pure silliness.
In the first scene of the play, we are introduced to the tenants. What struck me most about the actors was the natural ease with which they filled the stage. They moved throughout the house believably, conversing with each other in a way that made their living situation readily apparent. The actors were well-rehearsed, most notably delivering their lines with no awkward pauses or lags even though the dialogue was fast-paced. I felt like I was actually watching a real group of people interact rather than a set of actors trying to portray people.
The first scene lets us meet each person. I noticed that no one person seemed to be the star of the show. The actors swapped in and out as they moved across the stage, each entrance teaching us a little bit more about the character. The furnishings for the apartment made for a delightful set. The stage was interesting to look at, and used well. By the end of the first scene, the plot of the second scene was set up.
What ensues in the second scene is a case of mistaken identity and hilarity. Dressed as pirates, a cowboy, a salty old peddler, and the Hunchback of Notre Dame, the tenants band together to help scare away an unwelcome visitor. Unfortunately, they pick on the wrong person, choosing by mistake a lawyer who arrives minutes before the anticipated guest. As the chaos unfolds, the audience can’t help but laugh at the antics the tenants pull.
I loved watching the play. Since I had been part of the first rehearsal, I was especially delighted to see how smoothly the actors came together with a short rehearsal schedule. They nailed their lines, and had silly mannerisms that made their characters believable. Cami Jensen did an amazing job directing the group. Under her direction, the actors were able to fill the small stage with ample energy.
My only regrets watching the play were a few sound and lighting issues. I sat in the back, and although I could hear the lines, at times I really had to strain to hear what was happening. I would have loved more sound. Because of lighting, the actors at times were in too much shadow. All in all though, the details were minor annoyances, and did not detract from the play.
Garney: Bonnie Harding, Kristen: Sarah Fuqua, Donna Jo: Catherine White, Kanbo: Nick Chistensen, Lasher: Terry Murdock, Mangnum: Kevin Keele, Sheila: Annie Jensen, Jen: Krystal Thompson, Holly: Elizabethe Coughnenour, Manrashi/Tim: Robert Thompson, Gilley: Mercedez Allred, Candy: Shannon Eden, Tampo: David Henry, Mr. Orf: Robert JensenAssistant Directors: Annie Jensen, Anna Murdock
If you get a chance, come see Harvest Moon Hurrah Company’s production of Roomers. You’ll enjoy an hour of laughter and fun. The play runs Mondays, Friday and Saturday through October 1 at Spanish Fork High School in the Little Theater. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for children. This is a play I’d recommend for children age 8 and above.
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