BWW Reviews: The Texas Rep. Hits All of the Right Notes as a Hilarious Crowd-pleaser

The Texas Repertory Theatre Company kicks off their 10th season of theatre with a "Greatest Hits" theme. Last season they asked the patrons to chime in with some of their favorite shows previously performed and this season starts off with THE FOREIGNER. I'm going to thank all of the patrons who choose this show to join the "Greatest Hits" season because it sure is a winner!

One of America's most beloved comedies, THE FOREIGNER by Larry Shue happens to be a play about a foreigner pretending to be a foreigner. Need I say more?

THE FOREIGNER takes places in a cozy fishing lodge in rural Tilghman County, Georgia. There we meet two Englishmen Froggy and Charlie. Staff Sergeant Froggy has come to do some official military business near the area and forced his friend Charlie to join for a change of scenery. Plagued by marital problems back home across the pond, Charlie is insistent that he cannot provide good company to the other guests of the lodge and will be seen as rude when all he craves is some peace and quiet instead of social interaction. The problem is solved when Froggy concocts the idea of telling everyone that Charlie is an exotic foreigner who doesn't understand English. Comedic madness ensues as the "foreigner" Charlie becomes privy to the deepest secrets and scandals of everyone as they begin to speak freely in front of him.

The denizens of the lodge are certainly an interesting bunch. Froggy's plan seems to backfire when instead of peace and quiet; Charlie soon becomes the center of attention. It all starts with the sweet and lovable homeowner of the lodge Betty Meeks. Played by Rachel Mattox, Betty is part backwoods, part zany and very much endearing. She shimmies around stage with a smile on her face and lavishes attention upon Charlie as she's always wanted to meet a foreigner.

Then we meet heiress Catherine Simms played by Lauren Dolk. Dolk is perpetuates a former debutante gal that is disenchanted with life and uses snarkiness to keep life interesting. Slowly that snarkiness ebbs away and she becomes more affable but either way her presence doesn't disappoint.

Catherine is engaged to the slick and smooth talking Rev. David Lee played with Southern charm by David Walker. His character choices make for a controlled and confident Rev. Lee which is perfect since he happens to be up to no good and thinks he can plot and scheme against everyone with the help of a guy named Owen Musser.

Owen is supposed to be a stereotypical redneck played by Alan Hall. He's sleazy and he slinks around trying to cause trouble. Hall lightens the harshness of his character with dubious expressions and a nonsensical boisterousness that crumbles when he feels threatened.

Playing Catherine's younger dim-witted brother Ellard Simms is Danny Dyer. He is delightfully refreshing to watch in his role and makes Ellard possess enthusiasm and innocence.

The mastermind behind Operation: Charlie doesn't speak English is Froggy Lasure played by Dave Harlan. Froggy is a well meaning friend, and just wants Charlie to be happy. Harlan makes Froggy quite the spirited gentleman and it is a joy to watch him on stage.

The highly sought after exotic foreigner Charlie Baker is brought to life by Jeffery S. Lane. Lane is brilliant as the foreigner who is not quite so foreign. His character is a shy dull man that experiences tremendous personal grown during his time in the little lodge. Lane resembles a caterpillar into a butterfly as his boring and dull character demeanor transforms into a lively figure that thrives on attention. Lane comes well prepared with the verbal and physical comedy. His comedic timing is terrific whether he's not saying a word, muttering gibberish as his exotic language, or speaking English.

THE FOREIGNER is a farce with many wacky and outlandish moments and can certainly be overdone. Luckily, this is not the case. Under the direction of Walter Baker, the entire cast does an immaculate job of working together to reach the perpetual wackiness needed for the story without over doing it.

Full of energy and great comedic timing, I certainly wasn't disappointed. My sides hurt from laughing so much, but in the end it was all worth it. I whole-heartedly believe that the next time The Texas Rep. decides to do a "Greatest Hits" season; this will end up being back on the list! It is full of Southern quirks.

THE FOREIGNER runs at The Texas Repertory Theatre Company until September 21. For tickets and more information please visit http://www.texreptheatre.org/#!2014-2015-season/c24s0.

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