BWW Reviews: THERE IS A HAPPINESS at Capital T Is A Hilarious Must-See
By: Jeff Davis Nov. 02, 2013
Is to give the reader a short preview
Of what a show is like on stage.
That's why I put my pen to page.
As this show substitutes rhymes for prose
My review does the same. Here goes.
*
There is a happiness that is There Is a Happiness...
Indeed, it easily could lead to crappiness
Given how much it owes to poetry and rhyme,
Arts rarely found on stage in our time.
But Mickle Maher's play is full of wit
Which he manages to pepper with touches of grit
As he explores his characters of Bernard and Ellen.
*
These two likeable and intelligent professors have fell
Into some troubles after a lesson on William Blake
Inspired them to fornicate
In front of their students and the Dean.
What follows is a comedy that must be seen
As Bernard and Ellen teach their class
And apologize for their actions in the grass.
*
There's much going on in Maher's text
From explorations of Blake to musings on sex.
His use of mostly rhymes to discuss Billy's work
Will make the audience go berserk
In, I assure you, the best of ways.
The idea certainly enhances the play.
What Maher's done deserves respect.
Just writing this makes me reflect
On how difficult his task must be
To write 90 minutes of rhymes and not flee.
*
But There is a Happiness would not be
Without the talents at Capital T.
Mark Pickell this show directs
And brings out humor to perfect effect.
Jason Phelps excels as Bernard,
One of two teachers who screwed in the yard.
He's innocent, charming, and filled with glee
Which masks insecurities we later see.
*
The other, Ellen, is played by Katherine Catmull.
Ellen loves words that start with "bull."
She too has her secrets and issues
Which she covers by donning a cold attitude.
Catmull's performance is fun and intense
And she's best when curses she does dispense.
While on the surface these two are complete opposites,
They have a chemistry that allows them to fit.
*
So if you're a fan of William Blake,
Then see this show, for heaven's sake.
If you're not, then I still say,
"Get off your butt and see this play."
*
*
Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission.
NOTE: For mature audiences only.
THERE IS A HAPPINESS THAT MORNINGS IS, produced by Capital T Theatre, plays the Hyde Park Theatre at 511 West 43rd St, Austin, 78751 now thru November 16th. Performances are Thursday - Saturday at 8pm. Tickets are $20-$30. For tickets and information, visit www.capitalt.org.
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