A mid-life crisis goes viral in the comedy The Crazy Time, now playing at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse.
A cast of five characters regroup in the aftermath of rash choices made by a libido-driven 50-something man.
The main character/culprit is Miles Gladstone, who fell for a “hot cookie” half his age and left his wife of 32 years. Miles owns a successful business with his partner Jerry, and is father to a lovely daughter, Susan. All too soon the cookie crumbles along with the new marriage, the business and family – and Miles finds he can’t “go home.”
With a lot of ground to cover in the forwarding of the plot, there is much dialogue and little physicality. The contemporary script, though intriguing, is not witty and there are few zingers. The talented cast works overtime to compensate and injects humour through jocularity and animation. The show is enjoyable and engaging, though not hilarious.
Reminiscent of a sitcom, all of the action takes place in the living room of a trendy New York apartment where the “cigarette business” is limited to the frequent pouring of stiff drinks and the exchange of cakes.
The Crazy Time is written by American playwright Sam Bobrick, also a television writer with contributions to such classics as Bewitched, The Flintstones and Get Smart. “Americanisms” are evident throughout the show, with references to “Republicans” and the prevalence of cosmetic plastic surgery. Jerry says: “dating someone over 50 is like buying a used car- they’re so fixed up you don’t know what kind of a wreck they were in.”
Paul Brown plays Miles Gladstone with the defeated emasculation that his deeds have dealt him. He makes the most of his lines with funny, exaggerated grimaces and clenches in apparent knowledge that he is doomed. Brown is recognizable from his role as Mr. Phillips in the original Anne of Green Gables mini-series, as well as in several Drayton Entertainment productions.
Gabrielle Jones commands the stage as Miles’ ex-wife Kate, a woman who hitherto didn’t know what she was missing. Being cast off landed her into the arms of a much younger and more virile man. Jones plays the part with the gusto and vivacity it requires, while maintaining the audience’s affection. Playing for the first time with Drayton Entertainment, Jones’ wealth of theatre experience with Stratford and Shaw Festivals is evident.
Gordon Gammie plays the savvy/sleazy partner Jerry Conroy with the right blend of both attributes, plus a little bit of used car salesman.
Jayme Armstrong, a most familiar face with Drayton Entertainment, plays Susan with the realistic vulnerability her role requires. She has previously been the lead in iconic Drayton Entertainment roles as Mary Poppins, Ariel, Maria, Fantine and Elle.
Kyle Golemba plays the dumb blonde boy toy with good spirit. As Dork, or is it Dirk, he knows which side his bread is buttered on and makes the most of his freedom to be as “duh” and as cute as he likes. His few lines make a mark and illicit a laugh every time. Golemba has appeared in productions all over Canada, most recently for the Shaw Festival.
Role reversals in this show are interesting; the women are the winners, which the audience seems to appreciate.
The set is invitingly realistic and modern, further emphasizing the foolishness of Miles in his efforts to be youthful and trendy. Set designer Ivan Brozic has created an inspired big city apartment with a view.
The Crazy Time runs eight performances a week until May 3. Tickets can be purchased at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, online at www.stjacobscountryplayhouse.com or by calling 519-747-7788 or toll free 1-855-drayton (372-9866).
