BWW Reviews: BAGGAGE is Full of Splendid Surprises

Written by SAM BOBRICK

Directed by MARY KAY CYRUS

November 7, 2014 at 8:00 P.M.

There were surprises galore at the opening night of "BAGGAGE", West Coast Players latest production of the quirky, romantic comedy, in addition to the splendid performance!

BRAVO! for a much needed "facelift!" West Coast Players has pulled out all the stops, with a stunning transformation in the remodeling of the theatre. From the moment you enter the dramatic, contemporary lobby area, you know you are in for a memorable experience. The walls are painted in designer red and purple and green, with slick lighting, tall cabaret tables and well thought out designer appointments. And you no longer have to bring pillows for the comfort of your bottom or to be able to see the stage from the last row! The new theatre seating in plush, bright red fabric are extremely comfortable and along with the tiered platforms, give a perfect view of the stage from all angles. BRAVO! and THANK YOU!

"Baggage," is yet another superbly written comedy, by award-winning playwright Sam Bobrick (of "Bewitched" and "The Andy Griffith Show"). The action takes place in a living room of a tastefully furnished, New York apartment. The story revolves around the challenging personalities of "unattached" Phyllis Novak and "recently separated", Bradley Naughton who meet when their bags are mixed up at the airport. With the " assistance" of Dr. Jonathan Alexander, an overly ambitious psychologist, he concludes that Phyllis and Bradley can never be happy together. Or can they?

Kudos to Mary Kay Cyrus, who directed a hilarious, perfectly cast, well rehearsed, seamless production! The cast and crew were simply outstanding, as if in performance for weeks. BRAVO!

Mark William Myers gave a brilliant performance, as the sympathetic, sniveling, separated, spouse. His suppressed whimpering, brought gales of laughter to each scene, with his skilled, natural approach to his portrayal, allowing the laughs come to him without pushing to get them. Mr. Myers comedic timing was perfection.

Lovely and petite, Angela Kennedy was wonderful in the challenging role of Phyllis Novak. She was assertive, yet vulnerable and deadpan funny, all at the same time, a stunning combination found in very few interpretations. Ms. Kennedy was the perfect foil for Mr. Myers, as the mismatched lovers.

Steve Caverno was delightfully obnoxious, as the couple's "shrink", Dr. Jonathan Alexander. His was especially funny in the madcap word association compatibility test.

As Mitzi Cartright, Phyllis' rubenesque best friend, Jeaux Brown is outrageous in every way! Ms. Brown's portrayal is the epitome of the stereotypical, loud, aggressive, overly confident New Yorker. Her mere appearance onstage provoked laughter. And well deserved laughter it was!

The well appointed, Newport blue and white trimmed set design and décor by Mary Kay Cyrus was lovely. The lighting design by Mike Arnold and the Sound design were clear and well balanced. Not a word was missed, which is a compliment to both the cast and Sound Technician Dianna Hangar. Stage Manager, Diane Lynne kept the production moving smoothly.