`HONESTLY, NOW!' PULLS DELIGHTFUL FAST ONES ON AUDIENCE.Byline: Victoria Giraud Special to the Daily News Take some elements from the classic film ``To Catch a Thief
To Catch a Thief is a 1952 thriller novel by David Dodge. John Robie is a "retired" jewel thief, formerly known as "The Cat", who now spends his time tending to his vineyards in France. ,'' add a dash of mystery and mix in some comedy farce, and you've got the Elite Theatre Company production of ``Honestly, Now!'' Carlita (a stylish performance by Juanita Seavey) and Hector (the likable and comic Glen Heppner) are con artists, up to no good on the French Riviera. Posing as a rich American social climber social climber n. One who strives for acceptance in fashionable society. social climber Noun and her developmentally disabled son, the pair plan a diversionary party for the wealthy hotel guests. While the guests are entertained, Hector will climb the ivy to rob hotel rooms of jewels. To deflect suspicion away from Hector, Carlita dupes Nadine, the hotel's banquet manager (the very capable Jeanie Hays), into seeking the attentions of the partner in crime. The arrival of U.S. Sen. Sam Clayton Sam Clayton has been conga player and supporting vocalist with the American rock band Little Feat since 1972. He was introduced to the band by his friend Kenny Gradney (with whom he had played behind Delaney & Bonnie) who was to replace original bassist Roy Estrada. (the amusingly cynical Dave Norman) and his earnest wife, Marigold marigold, any plant of the genus Tagetes of the family Asteraceae (aster family), mostly Central and South American herbs cultivated elsewhere as garden flowers. The two common species of marigold, both annuals, are distinguished as African, or Aztec (T. (an amiable Yolanda Lesser), provides the excuse for the party. Naturally, things are not meant to go smoothly, and appearances are an illusion. First there's Raoul, the clever hotel employee (appealingly played by Jake Lesser), who overhears conversations between Carlita and Hector and makes his own deductions. Then there are the Hemmings from Iowa, a duplicitous pair who add a touch of hilarity. Jeff Pemberton adroitly a·droit adj. 1. Dexterous; deft. 2. Skillful and adept under pressing conditions. See Synonyms at dexterous. [French, from à droit : à, to (from Latin acts the part of the hayseed Oscar Hemmings, and just as easily switches into a Clouseau-type accent, humorously reminiscent of Peter Sellers Noun 1. Peter Sellers - English comic actor (1925-1980) Sellers . Lea Marie is comic as the happily pregnant wife, Holly; moments later, she deftly becomes the sophisticated French accomplice. The tables turn and turn again, each new discovery bringing laughs in this frothy froth·y adj. froth·i·er, froth·i·est 1. Made of, covered with, or resembling froth; foamy. 2. Playfully frivolous in character or content: a frothy French farce. but clever comedy. Other small roles include Jennifer Leonardo as Margie ``Candy'' Crawford; Suzi Primrose and Thilda Samseth; Donna Jeanne as the tour guide, and Elizabeth Allen as the bellhop. The set for this production was imaginatively done, as usual. Praise goes to Heppner, producer and actor in the play, who gets set decoration and construction credits. The Elite Theatre Company continues to make improvements to the cozy Petit Playhouse in Oxnard. Besides finishing off their ceiling, they've improved the house lighting and added carpeting, which improves the sound. The homemade cookies, lemonade and coffee add to intermission enjoyment. THE FACTS WHAT: ``Honestly, Now!'' by Jack Sharkey. WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 7. WHERE: Petite Playhouse, 730 S. B St., Heritage Square, Oxnard. COST: $10 per person, $8 for seniors. INFORMATION: (805) 483-5118. CAPTION(S): Photo Photo: Juanita Seavey stars as the con artist Carlita in th e farcical far·ci·cal adj. 1. Of or relating to farce. 2. a. Resembling a farce; ludicrous. b. Ridiculously clumsy; absurd. far ``Honestly, Now!'' |
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