Review: GOODBYE, CHARLIE Charms Audiences at Way Off Broadway Community Players

Just a short drive from Austin, the Way Off Broadway Community Players have been bringing theatrical productions to the Cedar Park and Leander communities since 1997. Now in their 20th season, WOBCP prides themselves on being a place where theatre lovers, both young and old and with varying experience, can have a creative home. Entering the Way Off Broadway Theatre in Leander, the variety of patrons ranging from senior citizens to high school students confirms that this is truly an organization for the community.

GOODBYE, CHARLIE falls in the second spot of Way Off Broadway's platinum season. Written by Seven Year Itch playwright, George Axelrod, GOODBYE, CHARLIE was originally produced on Broadway starring Lauren Bacall in 1959. It was also made into a major motion picture starring Debbie Reynolds and Tony Curtis in 1964.

GOODBYE, CHARLIE follows the story of womanizing cad, Charlie Sorel (Hanna Haide). The plays opens after the title character is murdered by the unseen Mr. Mayerling, who flew into a jealous rage after catching Charlie red handed with his wife, Rusty (Barb Jernigan). Thinking his friend is dead, George (Ed Trujillo), begins the arduous task of putting the estate of the heavily in-debt writer in order. He only just begins when none other than Charlie, whose soul has been transferred into the body of a beautiful woman, comes barging in after his own poorly attended memorial service. Once George is over the initial shock of learning that his friend is still alive and now a woman, he must help Charlie navigate through learning the tricks and trade of being female in the 1950's. Meanwhile, Charlie begins to realize that his feelings for George extend beyond the bonds of friendship.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Once acclimated to his new identity as "The Baroness," Charlie sets out to blackmail the various women of his tawdry past by portraying himself as his own widow. As the baroness, Charlie threatens to write a tell-all exposing the intimate details of his relationships with each of these society women, in hopes that they will pay handsomely to keep those facts out of the press. The con man's scheme would go off without a hitch if his former lover, Rusty weren't such a formidable opponent.

This cast, assembled by director Howard Gentry, is made up of both novice and seasoned Way Off Broadway actors. WOBCP regulars, Ed Trujillo and Hanna Haide display good chemistry and comedic timing as the duo of Charlie and George and carry the majority of the show's energy. Both also deftly handled "the beauty of live theatre," with ease when a rogue ice cube flew across the stage instead of landing in George's glass. Due to scheduling conflicts the minor roles of Mr. Schriber and Franny, usually played by Ron Revell and Patricia Black, were played by Tracey Cathey and Gary Hamilton. These understudies prove that a role is what you make of it and provide many laughs during their brief time onstage during in the opening scene.

For the rest of the cast, it was a struggle to match their costars. Most of the dialogue heavy scenes involving the other characters fell flat due to lack of energy and slow pacing. Projection and enunciation were also significant problems in this production. This caused some genuinely funny lines to be lost on the audience. In a small venue like Way Off Broadway, a series pre-show vocal warm ups could vastly improve the quality of sound in this production.

The technical elements of this production were simple but effective. The bright blue set designed to resemble a mid-century bachelor pad is well suited for the theater and Gentry's staging. Another highlight was the peppy soundtrack celebrating the many facets of 20th-century femininity utilized during pre-show and intermission. Many audience members caught themselves singing along to such classics as Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar."

Overall, GOODBYE, CHARLIE is a charming classic comedy in need of some polishing. Regardless, the Way Off Broadway Community Players play a vital role in their community. With the closest neighboring theatres located in Georgetown and Austin, many of the patrons and volunteers would not have the opportunity to enjoy live theatre without the tireless dedication of this passionate group. The show may have missteps, but the experience of witnessing live theatre is where the true magic can be found.

GOODBYE, CHARLIE plays at Way Off Broadway Community Players (11880 Old 2243 W Leander, TX 78641) Thursday-Saturday at 8pm through December 3rd, with one Sunday matinee at 3pm on November 20th.

Tickets: Adult - $20

Children (age 10 & under) - $10

Seniors (60+), Students (11-18), College (with ID), and Military/First Responders (Current or Retired, with ID) - $15

For more information on Way Off Broadway visit their website

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