“See How They Run” is comedy gold

Currently playing at Hale Center Theater Orem (HCTO), “See How They Run” has a wonderful combination of physical hilarity and comical timing leaving audiences wanting for more.
Set the 1940s in the small village of Merton-cum-Middlewick, England, “See How They Run” illustrates the lives of nine individuals who become involved in a night of mess-ups, misunderstandings and mayhem.
The play opens in the vicarage of Reverend Lionel Toup (Geoff Means) and introduces the village gossip, Miss Skillon (Carolyn Hartvigsen). It is then that the audiences learns of Skillon’s disapproval of the vicar’s wife, Penelope Toup (Jessica Pearce) because of Mrs. Toup’s history as an American actress.
As the story unfolds, the audience comes to know Corporal Clive Winton (David St. Julien), an old acting friend of Mrs. Toup’s. In order to find entertainment for the evening, the two devise a plan to sneak Winton into the next town over disguised as the vicar in order to see a play with sentimental value.
As the night goes on and more characters are introduced, there come to be five men running about the vicarage with the vicar collar. Add a maid with a thick accent and a drunk Skillon and you have the mayhem of Act 2.
HCTO has a particularly marvelous production due to the immense cast talent, wonderful direction and the perfect set.
While the set does not change and is rather simple, the work of Bobby Swenson and Cole McClure is genius. It provides everything necessary for the show itself while not overshadowing the story. Their incredible work, especially their use of the center stage, provides support for some of the comedic high points of the performance.
Additional genius is seen through Director Barta Lee Heiner’s work. Her focus on pacing is evident throughout the show, but is particularly poignant during Act 2 as characters are constantly running on and off stage without missing a beat. Timing is everything and Heiner’s work provides the show with the sprinting pace necessary to provide comedic gold moments.
Finally, this magnificent production would be nothing without the hilarious work of the entire cast. Each member of the cast was true to their character at all times and was genuine. It was this reality of character that added the most to the comedic nature of the show. Every action and choice was perfect and created the perfect farce.
All in all, “See How They Run” is a true comedic hit.