Reviewed by John Vining
The local dinner theater troupe Off Stage Productions is performing “Mama Won’t Fly” for your viewing and dining pleasure this spring. I had a chance to view the dress rehearsal for this production last night.
The trio of Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten are rapidly becoming the premier writers of dinner theater scripts for small community productions. Off Stage Productions has presented several of their works in the past, each more zany than the previous one. It seems like Jones, Hope, and Wooten explore different aspects of dinner theater production with each of their plays. With “Mama Won’t Fly,” they utilize a “minimalist” approach to the stage setup – few stage props and little side-to-side or front-to-back movement of the players. At first blush, this might seem to be a bland concept for a stage production. However, in the context of a cross-country road trip taking place in a variety of vehicles, it works!
The story revolves around a trio of ladies preparing for the marriage of one of them on a beach in California – the bride-to-be and her future mother- and sister-in-law. Kecia Pontius plays Savannah Honeycutt, a talkative Southerner and the flamboyant sister of the groom, who is in charge of getting her cantankerous mother Norleen Sprunt (Dolores Foreman) from the Deep South to California in four days. The main problem is, Mama won’t fly! After a bit a verbal sparring, Mama agrees to allow the use of her ancient Buick for the impending cross-country drive. Enter Hayley Quinn (Courtney Wendel), the blushing bride-to-be, who sees the long drive as a perfect way to get to know her future in-laws better during the four-day trip. Thus begins a series of misadventures, as the ill-matched trio unsteadily make their way across Texas, New Mexico, Nevada, and finally to the Southern California beach. On their way, they encounter a variety of eccentric locals who turn the trip into a madcap adventure reminiscent of the 1940s- ‘50s-era Bob Hope-Bing Crosby “Road” movies.
“Mama Won’t Fly” calls on a couple of Off Stage veterans (Pontius and Foreman) to step into lead roles, while newcomer Wendel provides the third foil to the other leads. All are up to the task, as the interplay between the three diverse characters provides almost constant amusement and occasional outright guffaws. Pontius and Foreman play their characters as suitably but lovingly gruff and contentious, as grown children and aging parents many times are. Meanwhile, Wendel plays her young bride-to-be as achingly anxious to do and say the right things, desperately wanting to get off on the right foot with her soon-to-be in-laws. A special note: Anyone who has played “car games” on long road trips will find this group’s portrayal of them on this interminable drive very funny!
Another aspect of stage production explored by writers Jones-Hope-Wooten in “Mama Won’t Fly” is that the supporting actors all play multiple characters in this cross-country romp. This presented quite a challenge for the wardrobe manager of this production, but Julie Lang pulled it off very well. Veteran Terri Stevens plays four separate characters during the course of the road trip, and as always played each solidly. Her interplay as “Tanya” with Foreman’s “Mama” in an early scene is noteworthy, and their standoff for a moment appears destined to end their relationship with a bang!
Long time Off Stage player Ed Eichler also plays a quad of characters. Ed is unfailing solid, especially as a supporting character actor. He once again shines in his roles, especially as a befuddled prospective groom about to partake in a tawdry Las Vegas wedding. Likewise, veteran Amy McConn is very funny in her roles. In what I thought was perhaps the funniest scene of the entire production, she plays the bumbling curator of “The National Museum of Foundational Undergarments.” Several of the exhibits in this museum feature “over-the-shoulder boulder-holders.” I may never be able to hike in the Rocky Mountains with the same perspective again!
Veteran Off Stage performer Mary Weisman likewise plays a trio of characters, all acted with her inimitable humorous style. I felt Mary’s portrayal of a combination “showgirl/marriage chapel minister” was one of the most offbeat characters I have seen in many years. I trust you will find Mary’s character “enlightening” as well. Chris Burkheimer was a revelation for me. I enjoyed his first three roles…then we came to his portrayal of a caffeine-charged truck driver! Chris was hilarious as the wide-eyed trucker who had spent far too many continuous hours behind the wheel. I am sure Off Stage Productions welcomes Chris back into the troupe!
Finally, there is a surprise cameo late in the production as the long-lost “Spud.” I can’t tell you who it is; that would ruin the surprise. But it appears that one of the past veterans has been dragged into the role.
Ed Eichler makes his directorial debut with this production, while Julie Lang serves as wardrobe manager and Emily Smith is the stage manager.
“Mama Won’t Fly” is being presented at Vantage Career Center on April 1, 2, and 3. April 1 is a Popcorn Night; Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the performance starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday March 26 & April 2: Doors open at 6:00 p.m., Dinner at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Sunday Matinee is April 3. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., Lunch at 1:00 p.m., and the show starts at 2:00 p.m. The Off Stage Box Office is available for reservations: it can be reached at 419-605-6708; hours are 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Come out and enjoy local theater presented by Off Stage Productions!
