| “Out of Order” but Right on Target | | Print | |
| Written by James R. Johnson | |
| Monday, 11 September 2006 | |
 The Little Theatre of Norfolk kicked off its 80th season with a production of Out of Order by Ray Cooney and Directed by Scott Rollins. It seems hard to believe that a nonprofit community theater could have survived the rigors of time since 1926. Eighty years of productions sounds like a monolithic feat, and indeed it is. A lot has changed the world since this humble beginning, but it is a delight to see the theater changing with it. The building itself looks like a veritable fountain of youth. I hope I look that good after 80 years.
Out of Order is a fantastic farce set in late 80’s London. When Junior Minister Richard Wiley endeavors to spend the evening with the opposition’s typist, Jane Worthington, anything that can go wrong somehow does. From curious spouses to meddling hotel staff, the show provides comic relief of every kind. From witty one-liners to the classic pratfalls, the laughs roll in one after another.
One of the things I am most impressed with in this production is the direction of SCOTT ROLLINS. When telling a tale in a farce, the world does not play by the normal rules. Lines are quick, action is always continuing, and the tempo is like a beating heart. I have seen all too many farces where the heartbeat of the show was near flatline, lines as slow as molasses in January and action as meaningless as a possum in a bowtie. But
In those few moments I wasn’t laughing, I did notice some points about the show I think you should know. First off, the lighting was basic and reserved. Nothing fancy, so it should have been simple to keep everyone lit. Unfortunately, several times throughout the performance, the actors up stage stood in shadows, stepping too far forward. Picky, I know, but I notice these things. One other thing that stood out was the waves of accent. The show is set in London and most of the cast donned an English accent. However, as the show progressed, accents slipped, some changed altogether. English to Irish, English to American Southern. Accent inconsistency is a pet peeve of mine. Alright, on to the praises. MICHAEL HUTSON plays the Junior Minister’s assistant George Pigden. Hutson’s character choices left me in a stunned stupor. I had no reason to believe Hutson was not Pigden in real life.
Let’s discuss the set. Hotel room. Only so much can be done with a hotel room, right? Well, don’t let BOB ALDRIDGE, set designer, hear you say that. The view out the window center stage is enough to garner kudos. The balcony rail is visible below a beautiful London scene. Then the room is charming in its décor. Simple enough to recognize it as a hotel room while maintaining enough life to feel comfortable. Excellent design. Bravo to Scott Rollins and the Little Theatre of Norfolk for this refreshing entertainment. The show runs through September 24th. I don’t know if this report is enough to convince you that this is a must-see-show, but, if it makes any difference, I am planning to see it again, and this time I’m taking friends. |
this production has redeemed the farce. 
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Hi, I am one of the cast members from 'Out of Order' and I played Jane Worthington. All I can say is 'Wow!' I can't give enough kudos and thanks to our wonderful cast and crew. I have never been fortunate enough to work with such a talented group of people. I had a blast and I will remember this experience for the rest of my life. Thank you!! I saw the show this past Saturday night, and I thought it was great. The pacing was crisp and I thought the accents were on point. Here we go again - the poor non-professional actors no matter how 'bad' someone thinks they are or how 'not good enough' people think they are, why is it necessary to try to speak up for them? I'm not saying you cannot disagree with a bad review but enough of the whining. Disagree without criticizing someone else who has a different opinion. I have not seen the show, am just simply making an observation to the comments. So here it goes - no, they are not professional actors but that doesn't mean they can't be good (or bad). The purpose of the comments section is to make comments about what you thought about something. We can disagree with opinions, but why does someone have to stick up (so to speak) for these 'poor actors' who give so much time aside from family, careers.....please! Deciding to audition and accept a role is the actors choice and any actor in community theatre knows the sacrifices. I guarantee anyone that sees plays (or is new to it)will not say terrific things about every show/actor. I salute the diversity of opinions! I felt that the cast of 'Out of Order' did an outstanding job. . .these are not professional actors. . .they are people with families, careers, etc. So, for them to put in 6 weeks of rehursal and put on that stellar of a show absolutely amazes me. To be quite honest,I am not terribly fond of plays; but after watching this show, I want to become a regular patron of the theater. People should pay their respects to those brave souls on that stage rather than make nasty comments, and if you do truely feel that these actors were so horrific. . .maybe you should go and audition for the next show and see if you get cast! What insightful comments. Was 'Regal' a typo or a 'play' on words? the double negative - do not not know - was interesting. Do you not not read your prose before submitting them? A good guess that an actor dropped a line or two but I am betting it was a bad guess as to which one it was. I saw Smithfield's production of this play. There were weak moments there also. It is community theater. One strives for the best production possible, presented by a group of performers who love what they do so much that they so it for no other reward than the laughter and applause of the audience. Bravo to anyone willing to tread the boards and face the slings and arrows etc, etc. Well, I'm glad that y'll loved this play. It was ok, sort of boring, really. My trouble was, I had a regal hard time understanding most of what was said (yes, my hearing is fine). Maybe that's the nature of the play. And for the life of me, I can't believe all those actors do not not know where their lighting was--I'm serious! After a while, I just had enough. The best part of the show was the dead body, to me. Like I said, maybe this genre just isn't my 'cup of tea.' My, my, my, those actors sure worked hard. Wish my hubby would chase me around like that. PS--a note to 'Relax'--take some advice from your own name. This site isn't serious, it's just a lot of talk!--MH Well, I liked it. Hey Cookie, I couldn't disagree with you more. This play is a weaker copy of the author's earlier and better works. Cooney is recycling old tricks and not very well. Further, I'm not sure how many plays you have directed, but the only way to really learn how to do an accent is simply to practice, practice, practice. If the actor does not work on it sufficiently that is their fault; however, to discourage the volunteer performers from attempting to stretch their skills some seems counterproductive to the growth of community theater. Having lived in England, I would say that Mr. D'Alonzo's accent was one of the most accurate and consistant the night I saw him. I could also always hear what he said, unlike some of the other performers. Finally, perhaps the reason that some actors seem to fumble around a line or two is that they are responding to another performer who has unknowingly dropped ball. I think the entire cast should be commended for their ability to get back on track when things go wrong, as often will in this type of piece. Hello everyone. This is a good play, but not a particularly good rendering of said play. The accents are, as has been noted, irritating--to say the least. Mr. Rollins should know as a director that, if the actors can't do accents, don't let them try them. Perhaps the worst of the lot was the character 'Ronnie,' played by Ricky Dalonzo, and 'Richard,' played by Malcom M. The timing was off in various places as well, but luckily those scenes were saved by the appearance of that old stalwart, Tom Story, who played the bellboy/waiter. Whenever the younger actors faltered with their lines, Mr Story saved the day (and the scene). Perhaps the play will 'tighten up' in a week or so. Don't get me wrong, it's a good production. And Mark Haney as the 'Manager'-superb. Here's to LTN on their 80th-Bravo! |