THE UNDERPANTS examined by a theatre critic
THE UNDERPANTS
Reviewed by Jeffrey R Smith of the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle
What started out in 1910 as a German farce, if you'll excuse what seems to be a contradiction in terms, has ended up on the stage of the Ross Valley Players nearly a century later.
Along the way, or himmel as the Teutonics would say, several things happened to Carl Sternheim's original play: THE UNDERPANTS.
One, Steve Martin adapted it for American stages and American funny bones.
And two, one of Marin County's finest directors, videlicet Robert "Bob" Currier, made it a heck of a lot funnier than anyone remembers it being.
While some directors tend to be a little stuffy and huffy, Robert Currier seems to be sui generic or a rara avis in the director's chair.
Rather than establishing a steep authority gradient within the playhouse, Robert applies the latest theories on human resource management: Bob listens to actors when they suggest improvements for a show.
Not only is a mark of a confident director, it is taking advantage of the simple fact that actors, in addition to directors, know what makes a show funny.
Humor is added to a show one gag at a time.
And Bob is not afraid to integrate ideas from the cast into his shows.
Robert's augmentation of a script fleshes it out so much that the original script seems virtually skeletal by comparison.
If you attend THE UNDERPANTS which is now running through June 17 th, you will be watching it through the tracks of your tears: tears of laughter.
It is unconditionally and absolutely hilarious!
If you are facing gum transplants, another foreclosure, a fourth divorce, the rabies series, 14 weeks of boot camp, a weekend in the garden, a twelve step therapy, elective psycho surgery, changing faucet washers or a two week vacation with your ex-in-laws and you want to get your mind off such niggling and nagging future events, this show is for you.
If humor is the best medicine, then this show can cure milkmaid's knee, baker's itch, pre-solstice depression, dropsy and perineal itch.
Perhaps the greatest contribution of visual humor comes from Philip Goleman who plays Benjamin Cohen.
Philip operates in the stratospheric comedic tradition occupied by Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Ben Turpin, Peter Sellers and Steve Martin himself.
One can only assume that this show gets funnier with each performance.
If you enjoy gut retching laughter, this is your show.
If you are dating someone and he or she suggests you are too serious, too dour, too morose, too suicidal, bring him or her to this show and they will witness another side of you: the Dionysian you.
For laughter therapy, can the box office at 415-456-9555 or visit the Ross Valley Players web site at www.rossvalleyplayers.com.
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