They say time spent laughing is time well spent. Well, then UWGB’s production of Unnecessary Farce by Paul Slade Smith is a far cry from a waste of time. This hilarious show will have you bursting out in raucous laughter probably unsuitable for a public venue, but when the whole house is with you, nobody cares. That is the gift of UWGB’s Unnecessary Farce: two hours where nothing matters but tickling your funny bone. And it delivers.
The seven student cast, directed by Laura Riddle, does not have an easy time of it in Farce. Backstage at intermission is a sight to see, with cast members fighting for breath and more than just a little sweat on their costumes, but onstage, it looks effortless and natural. Well, maybe not effortless, but very believable. With eight doors (which are the only set pieces that work harder than the actors), more than a few quick costume changes, guns, handcuffs, dialects both accurate and absurd, and a large plate of donuts, comedic timing is earned in this show and the cast will not disappoint.
Andrew Delaurelle and Marta Knodle play less than competent cops using an attractive Accountant (played by Katie Sawyer) as bait to catch the Mayor (played delightfully by Ross Christian) in an embezzling scheme. Add his wandering wife (played by Noel Fricke), a security agent (Matthew Harris in a comedic bullseye) and Todd (played by Derek Knabenbaur with a flawless dialect and a fearless disposition) as a Scottish…well, I won’t give away too much here. The more surprises in Unnecessary Farce, the better.
This production has earned a rave review from the Green Bay Press Gazette, who accurately called it “sexy, fast, and ridiculous”. Read the review at http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20111114/GPG04/111140472/UWGB-Theatre-s-Unnecessary-Farce-big-hoot
Unnecessary Farce runs this weekend, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 pm in UWGB’s University Theatre. Buy tickets by visiting the UTIC in the University Union, calling them at (920)465-2400, or online at http://www.uwgb.edu/theatre/season/index.html
To watch a preview of Unnecessary Farce with insight from the director and cast members, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUxZpbVrhvk