Pearson production pulls off delightful British farce
Characters, props, sets hit mark in production of One Man, Two Guvnors
Show #22: One Man, Two Guvnors
Where: Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School Director: Nona Luchenski McMillan
One maniacal boss is enough, but two? To what lengths will some men go for a little extra cash? Through intricate visuals and zealous acting, Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School delivered a charming rendition of One Man, Two Guvnors.
One Man, Two Guvnors is a play adaptation written by Richard Bean, which premièred in 2012. This story originated in Carlo Goldoni’s 1743 Commedia Dell’arte-styled Servant of Two Masters. The farce is set in Brighton, 1963, where a blue-collar fellow named Francis Henshall works as an errand boy for a man he believes is Roscoe Crabbe. Roscoe was actually murdered by Stanley Stubbers, his sister Rachel’s boyfriend. Rachel, unbeknownst to anyone, is posing as her twin brother to collect his dues from a local gangster. Francis is also hired by Stanley, who wants his presence in Brighton to remain a secret. Francis, motivated by his love of food and one woman, simply cannot keep his facts or his guvnors straight, with chaotic results.
Curran Hall’s performance as Francis Henshall was packed with enthusiasm. Hall’s interactions with the audience were natural, and his ability to improvise quips was impressive. Hall navigated his complicated dialogue, performing an amusing fight scene with himself. He transitioned between being increasingly anxious around his guvnors to flirtatious with his love interest, Dolly. Julia Millan’s portrayal of Dolly was wholly entertaining. Her British accent and well-timed delivery enhanced her impassioned speeches about feminism. Millan’s collected composure was well juxtaposed with Hall’s frantic energy.
The ditzy Pauline Clench was personified by Carina Almario. Almario’s soprano tone and wide-eyed expressions suited her character’s nature wonderfully. She cleanly executed choreography during a set change while remaining in character. As her lover, Alan Dangle, Caeden Cesare delivered a believable performance. His lovelorn soliloquies were filled with melancholy and flair, fitting to the archetypal role of his character.
Michael Anthony Picciano’s Alfie was truly hilarious. Picciano exemplified his character’s old age through a snail-like pace and shaky mannerisms. His physical comedy induced sympathy and laughter as he was punched, whacked and electrocuted. Picciano’s voice, emerging from a white wig and large glasses, was light, and it humorously contrasted the harsh beatings his body took.
The props were meticulously designed, created and assembled by Nick Gray- Grant. Every prop was intricate and functional, from the duck-head cane to leather-bound wine lists. The food platters were outstanding, composed of Plasticine and other materials, but truly seemed edible. Alfie’s pacemaker was an impressive creation that lit up and had a functioning dial. The cricket bat, mousetrap and corkscrew were other authentic additions.
Enormous set changes were performed by Priya Sharma, Gael Beltran, Trisha Beltran and Keira Laskoski. This team was efficient, moving tall flats around the stage, as well as large pieces of furniture. The stage crew created numerous locales, while the Brighton Boys’ air-band played energetic numbers. The four boys were cohesive and exuded the dynamic friendship of a touring boy band.
A total of 150 sound cues were executed by Nathan Byrne, Colin Byrne, Mack Fournier and Malcolm Charbonneau. This team maintained good timing and included several ’60s tunes which complemented the farce’s setting. The sound crew properly balanced the volume so that shouting actors didn’t blare through the sound system, and the Brighton Boys were loud enough to override the shuffling of set pieces.
Through unbridled comedy and a hard-working crew, Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School’s One Man, Two Guvnors was a charismatic labour of love, not mischief ! This cast proved that in the end, and in true ’60s fashion, all you need is love.