Amy Keitt

Lots to unpack in Center Stage rom-com

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By John Lyle Belden

A good comedy skit relates the concept of past relationship “baggage” to literal suitcases. A good play takes that idea and makes it so much more.

Center Stage Community Theatre in Lebanon presents “Baggage,” by Sam Bobrick (acclaimed playwright and writer for shows ranging from Captain Kangaroo and Bewitched to helping create Saved by the Bell), directed by Veronique Duprey.

Phyllis Novak (Lauren Johnson) and Bradley Naughton (Mark Livingston) accidentally picked up each other’s identical bags at the airport. She cautiously lets him come to her apartment to switch them back. While hers is the heavier piece of luggage, he carries the larger emotional burden, still pining – openly weeping, actually – for his ex-wife. Phyllis tries to stay aloof, but her “curiosity problem” kicks in and despite their rough first encounter, they get to know each other better.  While he tries to get over his loss and she seeks to adjust her impossible standards for dating men, they agree to go out with each other platonically.

Do you see an improbable romantic comedy coming on? So does Dr. Jonathan Alexander (David Shaul), holder of degrees from prestigious universities and a couples expert, having written three books on the topic (which he will sell you). He enters along the fourth wall, instructing the audience and warning Phyllis of the folly of this entire plot, especially her doomed belief that she can change Bradley to her liking.

We also meet Phyllis’s best friend Mitzi Cartwright (Amy Keitt), a free spirit who gladly takes the play’s events as they come while hoping for a happy ending of her own.

In all, we get a clever and funny romantic adventure, complete with snappy dialogue – Bradley: “You’re a nutcase.” Phyllis: “That’s possible.” The meta element of Dr. Alexander weaving in and out of the play enhances the experience, a fresh way of acknowledging this often-told kind of story.

Johnson makes Phyllis engaging and relatable, having transformed fear of relationships into an impossible need for certainty. Livingston manages the tricky job of keeping some degree of dignity in Bradley, even while little more than a living puddle of tears. Keitt spritely presents Mitzi as someone you would believe had built a koi pond in her living room, because, why not? Shaul bridges the on- and offstage worlds effectively, his PhD-fueled ego adding to the humor.

Duprey has brought out the best in the talented cast; she is assisted by daughter Audrey, who also lurks in the shadows as stage manager (hat-tip to elder daughter Sabrina for helping on preview night). Center Stage’s comfy stage design is by Christy Summersett and David Wines, with decoration by Wines and Lauren Johnson. Like other community theatres, all labor is volunteer, including costumes by Kathie Criss and props by Elizabeth Ruddell.

Pick up “Baggage” for the next two weekends, through March 8, at 604 Powell St., Lebanon. Get info and tickets at centerstagecommunitytheatre.com.

‘Mink’ a good fit for Center Stage

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By John Lyle Belden

“Life is too complicated, that’s why I don’t think about it.”

This line by the lead character is the essence of “The Widow in Mink,” a comedy by Carl L. Williams presented by Center Stage Community Theatre in Lebanon.

It has been two weeks since Margaret Osgood (Julie Wallyn) lost her husband, George, in a bird-watching accident, and she is still adjusting to life alone. She gets visits from her niece Julie (Amy Keitt), whose idle-rich boyfriend Roger (Mike Bauerle) tags along, as well as her late husband’s business partner Charlie (Kevin Shadle). She also joined a social group, the Wandering Widows – Diane (Tanya Haas), Betsy (Veronique Duprey), and Jane (Dottie Ostby) – now that she qualifies for membership.

Charlie arrives from the bank with the contents of George’s safety deposit box, including his will. Margaret soon discovers that she has inherited a lot more than a plethora of bird portraits.

Williams once referred to the character of Margaret as “sweetly oblivious;” Wallyn plays her as smarter than she lets on, with enough eccentricity that we laugh more at her situation than at her. Keitt’s sweet Julie, being an investigative reporter, is suspicious enough for the both of them. She has feelings for Roger, but there’s something keeping her from accepting his frustratingly frequent marriage proposals. Bauerle keeps his character easy-going throughout, with a sense that there is more to him than he dares to reveal. Shadle gives Charlie an aw-shucks demeanor that appears to appeal to Margaret – as well as Diane. The trio of Haas, Duprey, and Ostby have fun chemistry akin to the “Golden Girls.”

Jan Jamison directs, as well as designing the set and costumes.

This charming, delightful play shows that getting older doesn’t mean life gets any less interesting – quite the contrary. Sometimes all you need are good friends, and a nice mink coat.  

“The Widow in Mink” runs Friday through Sunday, though Oct. 12, at 604 Powell St., Lebanon. Get info and tickets at centerstagecommunitytheatre.com.