P.S. this show is a treat

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May 28, 2009

By Marcia Clutter The Lebanon Reporter Thu May 28, 2009, 04:17 PM EDT

Lebanon — If you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary in the way of local arts and entertainment, and you are an adult who enjoys dark comedy, you may want to check out the Center Stage Theatre’s production of “P.S. Your Cat is Dead.”

Directed by Cheryl Fesmire, P.S. Your Cat is Dead, was written by James Kirkwood. Set in the late 1970s, it is the story of a down-on-his-luck actor/writer, Jimmy Zoole, played by Jonathan Evans. The two-act, four-cast member play takes place on New Year’s Eve when all of Jimmy’s bad luck converges on him to the point of a breakdown. His New York apartment has been robbed twice in the last 3 months, he has lost both of his acting jobs and the only manuscript to the novel he’s been writing. He returns to his apartment unexpectedly to find that his girlfriend is leaving him and his beloved cat is dead.

Jimmy’s girlfriend Kate, played by Maew Corbin Houston, provides us with much of this background in the first few minutes of the play, giving a funny and charming performance. Through Kate’s eyes, we see a Jimmy who is a sorry loser who lets life walk all over him and who will never change.

If losing everything that is most important to you makes you a loser, then a loser Jimmy is indeed. As the play goes on, however, we start to question this definition of loser. We begin to see that by having nothing left to lose, Jimmy may actually find the courage to go after the more important things in life, such as relationships, self-acceptance, and the pursuit of personal passions and dreams.

I hope I haven’t given you the impression that this is a serious play. It is filled with very dark humor, and is a romp of twisted comedy. Much of the fun can be credited to talented actor Scott Russell, who plays Vito, a burglar trying to rob Jimmy for the third time. When Jimmy captures Vito and decides to “torture” him instead of calling the police, the fun really begins. Once again we are forced to question our idea of what a “loser” is, as we become acquainted with the sad, yet vulnerable, burglar. Mr. Russell poured his heart into his portrayal of Vito — his facial expressions and comedic timing are priceless.

When Kate returns to Jimmy’s apartment with her new boyfriend Fred, played by Gordon Ayres, the tables are turned. This “normal” couple is made to look as if they are the true losers, when confronted with the strange alliance presented by Jimmy and Vito.

I found the play to be a fun and entertaining stretch. It is absolutely for adults only, and does contain drug and (bi-)sexual references, as well as some objectionable language. I don’t recommend it for under age 17, the homo-phobic, or anyone who finds it difficult to laugh at the cruel and uncomfortable twists in life.

It was a pleasure for me to preview the show. I was pleasantly surprised by the 50-seat community theater that is clean and comfortable, with professional stage, set, sound and lighting.

I give the Center Stage Theatre’s production of P.S. Your Cat is Dead a grade of B+.

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