PREVIEW: See How They Run (See it!)

(Pre-opening review by David Treadwell for the New Maine Times)

The setting is a living room in a British vicarage. The décor is tasteful, refined, proper. A cozy brown couch, a comfortable red leather chair, an easy-to-access bar over to the left. A chandelier. Billowy curtains. Three doors: the glassed one in the center opens out into a garden; the two on the right are just simple doors. Music evoking the World War II era plays in the background.

Then, just as the music stops, a cockney maid with an attitude enters from one of the doors at the right and the fun begins. For the next 90 minutes (plus a brief intermission), the audience is treated to a rollicking farce filled with all manner of goings on. People entering and leaving at just the right (or wrong) moment; people falling over couches or passing out on floors or in the arms of someone else; visitors donning clerical attire, often for nefarious reasons, or a vicar running around in his underwear; a glass of sherry (or two or three) being downed (or poured down someone else’s throat) and, to be sure, constantly changing identities.

In this play, the plot doesn’t matter; the laughs do. And that’s what you’ll get. Be prepared.

Every cast member performs admirably, but four stand out. Millie Santiago truly excels as Ida, the cockney maid. You laugh every time she opens her mouth or smirks or swoons or just stands there. Alison Machaiek, as the church gossip Miss Skillon, gives a riotous performance, whether she’s tsk-tsking the vicar’s wife or flopping around in a drunken (“I’ve never had a drink before.”) daze. Steve Shema gives his customary spot-on performance as the devilishly sardonic Sergeant Towers. And Nancy-Grace Dersham perfectly suits the role of Penelope Toop, as she runs (and sings) around, trying to avert catastrophes and clashes between and among the various characters.

Heartwood Regional Theater Director Griff Braley deserves credit for his masterly job of putting together the various pieces that create a spectacular show. As an example, he’s drawn nine talented actors from nine different Maine towns. He also chooses the right people to handle all the “little” details that make for a big show: costuming, lighting, set design and properties.

So…treat yourself to “See How They Run,” another shining example of Maine theater at its best.

Performances will run for two weekends in the Parker B. Poet Theater at Lincoln Academy. Evening performances, beginning at 7:30 p.m., will be presented May 4,5,11, and 12. Two 3:00 p.m. matinees will be offered on May 6 and 13. Seating is general, though special arrangements may be made at the time of reservation. Tickets are $12/students and $18/adults. Reservations are strongly suggested and may be obtained by phoning Heartwood at 207.563.1373 or emailing boxoffice@heartwood.org.