BWW Reviews: Ludwig's FOX ON THE FAIRWAY Scores At Rainbow Dinner Theatre

There are those who insist that farce is the highest form of comedy. It's certainly one of the most entertaining forms of it, and it goes far back in history; it was known to the early Greeks and Romans as well as to us. These days, one of its finest expositors is area native Ken Ludwig, and there's no better treat than catching a Ken Ludwig show well performed - unless it's seeing Ludwig well-performed in Ken Ludwig's home area.

Guests at Lancaster County's Rainbow Dinner Theatre have that treat happening right now with Ludwig's golf-themed comedy, FOX ON THE FAIRWAY, a play that relies on every possible classic staple of farce - pratfalls, public embarrassments, in-and-out chases, enough doors to make you (and the characters) forget which one is which, awkward attempted sexual escapades, and mistaken identities. Add to that a golf tournament, real estate wheeler-dealing, ex-spouses and ex-significant others, and a priceless antique vase, and life on stage becomes just slightly complicated... and wildly funny. Directed by co-stars Scott Russell and Diane Fussaro, it's been kept tight and it's been kept fast-paced, two critical elements for farce to be successful.

Two warring country clubs are up for their annual golf tournament, which our hero Bingham's (David DiSavino) club always loses. Maybe it won't happen this year, thanks to incredible new member Tremayne - oh, that would be the player who just resigned to join the villainous Dickie Bell's (Scott Russell) fiendish, but incredibly golf-proficient, Crouching Squirrel Country Club, the opposing side. Can Bingham's brand-new assistant, Justin (Joey Sauthoff), help find a solution to the problem? It's vitally important this year, as Bingham was so sure he'd win that he placed a friendly little wager with Dickie... and his wife's antiques store has somehow become part of Dickie's winnings if he loses.

It's not a good day for Bingham, although the club's loveliest member, Pamela Peabody (Cynthia DiSavino), who sits on the board, is there to help Bingham through his crisis and to try to salvage the tournament right along with his right-hand man, Justin, and though incredibly sweet but not always bright club waitress Louise (Lauren Zehr) is standing by to render whatever assistance she can to her employers and her fiancé - Justin.

If you happen to know Rainbow, you may think that this is nothing more than a clever excuse for Dave and Cindy DiSavino to play against each other on stage. And you may just be right. But don't let that do anything except cheer you up - they're incredibly sweet together, even though, plotwise... yes, Bingham's wife Muriel (Diane Fussaro) was indeed mentioned above. Hey, it's a farce - there's a requirement for this sort of plot point, and yes, everything works out as it should in the end, with no morals hopelessly corrupted - although whether the game of golf will survive intact is another matter entirely. Devout golfers may find themselves having apoplexy over the rules of the game (which might be more sacrosanct than the Ten Commandments to some of them), but please consider allowing these players a Mulligan, and relax.

The script may not be an eagle, but it's at least a birdie, even if you're firmly convinced that the fiendish Dickie Bell is a walking double bogey - Scott Russell's firmly on par as the calumnious country club president and real estate swindler with a surprising romantic past.

Make no mistake - this show isn't perfect. If you don't follow golf at least slightly, you may find bits of the humor obscure (if you do golf, on the other hand, prepare to die laughing). There are a few timing issues that slowed things down slightly - those may be worked out by the time you see it. Diehard golf lovers, do prepare to suspend your defense of the rules for a couple of hours. And educated farce lovers may see at least an element or two of the ending coming from a mile away, despite the contrasting problem that even for farce there's an implausibility factor in the denouement that is every bit as enormous and contrived as that in A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM (as well as being similar enough to remind this audience member of it while watching the play).

But indeed there are moments to love, as with every moment that Bingham's wife, Muriel, is on stage. The antiques shop owner and harridan is so appalling that you adore every moment she enters a scene. Justin and Louise are newly engaged, and the fragility of that newness is everywhere (fortunately, since it's a farce, you know things will work out). And as always, Rainbow is one of the two best houses in the region for sets and props - the other, Totem Pole, is a fair drive away and isn't open all year.

There is something that could improve a performance of this show at Rainbow - Ludwig could actually attend. He's appeared at York Little Theatre when a production of one of his shows was put on in his home county; it would be equally nice to see him in the area. This reviewer understands the suggestion was made. It would be excellent publicity for as hard-working and dedicated a theatre as Rainbow and its staff, cast and crew to have the reward of a visit by the author of the play during the run.

At Rainbow Dinner Theatre, in Paradise, Lancaster County, through October 26 and worth the drive. Call 717-687-4300 or visit www.rainbowdinnertheatre.com for tickets.

To post a comment, you must register and login.