‘Foreigner’ finds way to laughs at Jewel Box Theatre
The Jewel Box Theatre began its 61st season with “The Foreigner” to delighted audiences.
Larry Shue is the author of “The Nerd” and “The Foreigner,” two of the most popular award-winning plays of the 1980s. Chuck Tweed directs and Barrett Davidson is in the role of Charlie Baker in “The Foreigner.”
There are many “sweet” bits in “The Foreigner” and Tweed is well-known in Oklahoma theatrical circles as an ideal bit man. He takes advantage of every moment to create hysterical twinkles for each performer to shine brightly. Yet, Tweed directs the whole play not as a vehicle for those moments, but as a lovely romantic comedy filled with hysterically funny scenes.
The play takes place in a small hunting resort in Georgia. A shy Englishman,
Charlie Baker, and his friend S/Sgt. “Froggy” LeSueur come to visit. LeSeuer is an old friend of the proprietress, Betty Meeks. He decides to introduce Baker as an exotic foreign gentleman with the conviction that Baker will not have to deal with the attentions of staff and other guests. The plan backfires, when, believing that Baker
doesn’t speak English, everyone confides in him. In addition to Betty, the residents are an heiress, Catherine Simms, and her supposedly dimwitted brother, Ellard Simms. She is engaged to the Rev. David Marshall Lee, a man, whose Godliness is a cover for his less palatable attribute as a bounder. Lee is quite friendly with Owen Musser, who is a leader of the local Clan Chapter. The good reverend has secretly traded in his religious robes for the sheets of the KKK.
In addition to Davidson’s incredibly funny portrayal of Baker, Chris Harris is delightful as Betty Meeks. Harris capitalizes on the elderly confusion of Meeks while revealing her inherit wisdom. Brittany Johnson is the lovely Catherine Simms, and although her portrayal is a little standoffish at first, she warms up beautifully and naturally. Matthew Percival as Ellard is hilarious with action and reaction. Percival, like Davidson, has absolutely perfect timing and an excellent range of expression. Keegan Zimmerman has mastered the evil glint in the eye of an otherwise upstanding young man as he portrays Lee.
Musser is a typical Klan member, with a prejudice to disguise his own shortcomings. Larry Harris has created this character exactly right.
Davidson’s brilliance as Baker is enhanced by the excellent performance of Doug Monson as S/ Sgt. “Froggy” LeSueur. LeSueur’s complicated, but well-meaning plot is guaranteed to backfire. Baker acquiesces because he has no choice but to trust his best pal. The two have an immediate connection and friendship. Monson also has a twinkle in his eye that tells us, immediately, he knows exactly what he is doing.
Tweed’s direction is impeccable and his casting is brilliant. The audience dissolves into mirth from the beginning to the end of the play. Tweed is the master of the moment, and tops in timing. Each cast member delivers a consistent, outstanding performance. Additionally, Tweed leads an excellent crew providing superior technical contributions: set, lighting, sound and props are superb.
Everyone needs a laugh now and then and “The Foreigner” is chock full of them. Don’t miss this Jewel Box Winner!
— Elizabeth Hurd, for The Oklahoman