FRONT ROW CENTRE: 'The Tale of the Allergist's Wife' an amusing show.
Clive Lacey, left, and Maureen Lukie star in, 'The Tale of the Allergist's Wife', which plays at Fairview Library Theatre until Feb. 11.
Photo/DAVID FITZPATRICK
In Charles Busch's play The Tale of the Allergist's Wife, Marjorie Taub, a bored, unhappy woman, is jolted out of her depression by the reappearance of an old friend, Lee Green. Like Auntie Mame, Lee promises to open doors to a life of adventure. But is Marjorie ready to explore all these possibilities?
The play, first seen in New York in 2000, attracted praise with some people claiming it to be one of the funniest plays Broadway had seen in years. A reputation like that is often hard to live up to and although the production on stage at Fairview Library Theatre has its share of laughs, the show comes off as more amusing than uproarious.
It is hard to say if the fault lies with the script, the performances or the production, because each element seems to be correct. The script is never dull and there are some fascinating character insights. As directed by Victoria Shepherd, the cast creates believable characters. Maureen Lukie in the title role goes through a range of emotions, starting off as an unhappy culture enthusiast, and becoming in turns, excited, happy, frightened and confused by the options available to her. It is always a test to portray an unhappy character without appearing too self-pitying, and Lukie for the most part avoids this trap.
The role of Lee is played by Carol McLennan. She has the most challenging assignment since Lee cannot be too outlandish at first or Marjorie would never agree to let her stay. At the same time you keep hoping for a spark of the eccentric or a broader performance to underscore the wide divide that separates her from her long-lost friend.
As Dr. Ira Taub, Marjorie's allergist/husband, Clive Lacey presents a portrait of a straight-laced philanthropist who comes to resent the intrusion of his wife's house-guest. His reaction to Lee's sexual advances is very funny. Paulette St. Amour as Frieda, Marjorie's nagging mother, delivers some of the show's funniest bits as she openly discusses her ongoing digestive problems.
These four, plus Lionel Boodlal as the apartment building's doorman, are in perpetual motion in and out of the living room of the Taub apartment, yet despite the busy staging the play never gains any comic momentum. We enjoy following the lives of these people and watching them interact, but the comedy never explodes the way one expects.
The script plays more like a pilot episode of a television situation comedy. It doesn't fully resolve itself. You leave wondering what will happen next, which is probably a good way to leave a play.
The Tale of the Allergist's Wife plays at Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall Dr., until Saturday, Feb. 11. For tickets, visit www.amicusproductions.ca or call the box office at 416-860-6176.
Mark Andrew Lawrence reviews theatre productions for The North York Mirror.