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I don't know about you, but I love British farces.  They are always crazy and witty with lots of physical comedy and bumbling around.  The play's author, Alan Ayckbourn, has written over 60 plays including How the Other Half Loves, Relatively Speaking, and Bedroom Farce.  This production of Theatre Huntsville's Communicating Doors is no exception in its ingenuity.  What's the story?

"One prostitute and two murdered wives prove they are more than a match for three befuddled men. Add a time traveling door, and you've got the combination for a fun evening. How can Poopay the Dominatrix get out of the clutches of the evil Julian? Will Ruella, the second wife, save Jessica, the first wife, from the killer? Set in 2016, 1996, and 1976 in a London hotel, this play turns the world upside down and will keep you on the edge of your seat, unless you're laughing on the floor."  In case you don't know--'communicating doors' are the pair of doors that connect adjoining hotel rooms internally.  You can imagine the hilarity and the perfect timing in this play as actors run in and out of the doors.  Don't forget that the communicating doors also transport the actors back (and forth) through time.  This show highlights the fragility of time and the value of coincidences.

Cast members include:

Poopay - Kim Parker

Ruella - Kelly Sims

Harold - R. Scott McCauley

Julian - John Hancock

Reece - Mark Parker

Jessica - Christie McCleary

Directed by Mike Malone

Kim Parker and Kelly Sims do an admirable job of keeping the audience interested as their parts keep them onstage throughout most of the play.  Parker is great with her interpretation of a leather clad dominatrix.  Her accent is just right for the part making her believable as a British tart. Parker has played some other "hot" roles such as Kate in The Taming of the Shrew and Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.  Kelly Sims is originally from Scotland--so, of course, her British accent fits in naturally with this show.  She makes the second "Mrs. Wells" a likeable character.  Kelly was seen as a dancer in the movie Hairspray and as an extra in several other movies.  Christie McCleary plays the young and first "Mrs. Wells."  This is Christie's first non-singing role and she adds spice to the show.

The men in this show aren't too shabby either! John Hancock makes a good villain as Julian Goodman.  Everyone spends the whole time in the play running from him.  R. Scott McCauley, as the hotel security officer, steals several scenes from the other actors.  Mark Parker has the difficult task of aging 40 years as he portrays Reece Wells in 1976 and 2016.

Another "character" in this play might be the actual "communicating doors."  They are quite lavish and add to the play. Technical Director, Nancy Morris, has done an excellent job.

A highlight of this production is the well executed balcony scene in the second act.  The women all do a great job on this physically challenging scenario.  Director Michael Malone and Assistant Director Phil Parker along with Stage Manager Dave McCann should be congratulated on a show well done.

This show has many special surprises and delights for the audience--things I can't talk about. If you enjoy wit and comedy, you'll want to see this production of Communicating Doors by Theatre Huntsville at the Von Braun Playhouse through November 8, 2003.  For ticket information, call 256-536-0807 or email thhsv@hiwaay.net .  This play is suggested for mature audiences...so you decide.

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Communicating Doors

 ©2003 Jean Brandau, licensed to About.com
Photo ©2003 Jean Brandau, licensed to About.com

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