Delightful Parade of Dialects

By Gabriel Morales
For the Real Critics Blog

"Deanne and Robert, a May-December couple, have just returned from their honeymoon, and Deanne is shocked to find that Robert has unwittingly bought the very same apartment that she used to live in with her ex-husband, Skip. Not only that, but Skip has also bought the apartment right next door to theirs. It becomes apparent in time that Deanne and Skip are still in love, and getting the couple back together is facilitated by Robert falling for Deanne’s mother, Louella. All ends right in this swift-moving romantic comedy from master comic writer Ron Clark." Thus reads the publisher's plot description.

Not mentioned is the real gold of Clark's sit-com style offering: the revolving cavalcade of ethnic characters bringing high-energy entertainment and skilled comedic choices to the party. At least, that's how it plays in Riverside Community Player's production, directed by Rory Dyer.

Leading the cameo parade are acclaimed RCP mainstays Michael Truelock (Boris) and Arthur Wilson (Jovan), who bring the show's biggest laughs with their zany portrayals of a dim Russian furniture mover and effeminate Jamaican gossip, respectively. Truelock breathes life and empathy into another hulking yet gentle character, rife with expertly-timed, cheer-inducing one-liners. Wilson, a certified theatrical triple-threat, channels his Broadway showstopping energy into the zany, animated, albeit light-skinned islander with graceful ease. Even newcomer Madelyn Garcia (Jeannine, Inga, Gina) brings some entertaining moments with her neverending wig supply and variety of sultry European accents.

If for no other reason, stop at number 4 Beekman Street to catch the cameos -- they'll floor you.