The Oklahoman

Jewel Box’s ‘A Company of Wayward Saints’ makes for great theater

- Elizabeth Hurd

Commedia dell’Arte was a very popular form of theater in Europe from the 16th through the 18th centuries. A troupe of players would develop specific characters and continuall­y portray those characters through each improvisat­ional production. Wearing masks, there would be a warrior, a vamp, two young lovers, a wiseman and, of course, the harlequin. American playwright George Herman first published “A Company of Wayward Saints” about such a company in 1963 and it has been popular among theater goers ever since.

Jewel Box Theatre, 321 NW 36th St., presents “A Company of Wayward Saints” under the expert direction of Richard Lemin through Feb. 19. The story is about a troupe of traveling performers that, while anxious to go home, is without the funds needed to travel. A wealthy patron offers to provide all the necessary funds to end the company tour. They must do just one more performanc­e of a scenario the wealthy duke has chosen to see. That scenario is “The History of Man,” and a very tall order it is. Their attempt is hilarious, and the audience is riveted by the comedy that can come from the personal tragedy of the players as they struggle to present such a history to the satisfacti­on of the audience and the patron.

Lemin is an excellent director and begins with a superb cast. Keegan Zimmerman is as brilliant playing Scapino, as Scapino himself claims to be as a performer in the troupe. Denise Hughes is Columbine, as beautiful and witty as any Columbine with her expressive assortment of double takes. Daniel E. Willsey is wonderful and charming as Pantalone and Don Taylor is absolutely perfect as a leader and inspiring the group in his role as Harlequin. The two young lovers are played by Kaelin McGowan as Tristano and Maddie Loury as Isabella with sensual chemistry and talent. Chip Chappelle is the Dottore with consummate skill and his own charm, while John C. Arnold is the Capitano, filled with self-assurance and a delightful lack of charm in his character. Allyson Rose is Ruffiano, vamping with skill — she is the Sophia Loren of the troupe. This ensemble is a great compliment to Lemin as the first step in directing a great show is assembling a great cast.

The first act’s action is very entertaini­ng as they struggle to portray the history of mankind. They do not easily find their way. The second act returns with a twist, they discover how to portray exactly what the duke has requested. In this we see the elements of comedy clearly based on the human condition. It is full of tragedy as the foundation of humor. As a result, this production achieves exactly what the playwright, directors, actors and audience (including critics) expect from the theater: to leave thoroughly entertaine­d but also challenged.

Much of the success is, of course, due to the unsung heroes, the crew laboring backstage. Dealing sometimes with somewhat uncooperat­ive lighting and sound technical equipment is Isaiah J. Williams. Managing from backstage is Carol McDonald with Michelle Hall assisting. Great costumes are the result of the hard work provided by Deborah Franklin. Jamie Brewster and James Tyra handle the properties, pulling together the best prop choices for this production. The constructi­on of a wonderful set is due to Cadence Cloud.

For more informatio­n, go online to www.JewelBoxOK­C.com or call 405-521-1786. This is an impressive show, don’t miss it!

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