Review: CLARK GABLE SLEPT HERE Exposes Real Talent

If I were looking for the opposite of the thought provoking, emotional NEXT FALL, (my last review) I certainly found it in CLARK GABLE SLEPT HERE at Terrific New Theatre.

I don't mean in the quality of the show, because CLARK GABLE SLEPT HERE has great acting and is some of the best directing I've seen Carl Stewart do- ever.

CLARK GABLE SLEPT HERE is irreverent, very mature themed and hilarious. It is a fast paced, short play that is full of action, surprises and shocking moments. Watching the reaction of the six elderly ladies on the front row of the only matinee was worth the price of admission.

If you are easily offended by words or nudity, then stay home. But if you are open minded and ready to laugh your head off, then this is the show for you.

Full of amazing local actors who are crisp, energetic and perfectly cast, this show is top notch. Chuck Evans as Gage Holland, the hotel manager, is funny and has the facial expressions that tell you what his character is really thinking while he says something different with his words.

Michele Santiago as Estella, the Hispanic maid is equally hysterical in all senses of the word. When she speaks Spanish she is so animated that you know what she is saying whether you speak the language or not.

Bates Redwine as "Hilly" is slick and matter of fact and Jared Funderburg as Travis is earnest and brave, willing to share all of his "assets" with the audience.

Beth Kitchin as Morgan Wright steals the show with her cold, calculating, and imperious attitude. When she steps on stage she takes the spotlight from everyone else, including the naked man on the floor.

The entire cast does a really good job of listening to each other and reacting to what is being said, even when they are not involved in the conversation. More than any show I have seen lately, this cast is not afraid to speak with their back to audience and move around the stage in a more realistic way than most.

Credit must be given to Carl Stewart for bringing this group together and helping them perform in a style more up to date and easy to believe than some "community theatre" directors use. The whole show flowed well and felt natural.

My one complaint would be the set. I think there were a few things that could have easily been done to make it look like the elegant penthouse suite it was supposed to be. Shabby, mismatched furniture didn't really cut it, but the show is so quick and funny you only have minimun time to focus on that.

This is not a show for everyone, but I am so glad I got the chance to laugh so much this afternoon. CLARK GABLE SLEPT HERE runs through October 3 at Terrific New Theatre. Call 205-328-0868 for tickets and go to www.terrificnewtheatre.com for more information.

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