OnStage in Bedford continues their season of firsts (shows that have never been produced at Onstage before) with “How the Other Half Loves.” Written by Alan Aychbourn in the early ’70s, the show continues to be produced in that time period. Director Ben Phillips has brought together traditional British humor and outstanding local Dallas/Ft. Worth talent.
It’s a comedy of mounting misunderstandings set off by one affair that engulfs three couples, each from a different English social class. With typical structural virtuosity, simultaneous action of two living rooms on one set (a unique all-purpose construction by Alex Krus) at the same time, and even two separate dinner parties at one table.
The smooth but nervous Fiona Foster (Angela Allen), the upper-class boss’ wife, is having an affair with resentful subordinate Bob Phillips (Shane Beeson). Teresa (Allison Scheer), his street-smart (if sloppy homemaker) wife, is pretty quick to catch on. Frank (Jason Kane), Fiona’s comically absentminded and scattered husband, drives the plot with ever more mistaken assumptions that threaten the marriage of insecure firm newbie William Detweiler (Clint Gilbert) and his wife, Mary (Laura Saladino).
The story is thin but cleverly constructed. The show’s bright moments build steadily. Allen’s thoughtful, classy Fiona and Scheer’s challenged but determined Teresa play off each other beautifully, particularly when setting the table for their overlapping dinner parties. Kane perfectly plays up Frank’s eccentricity, but his comic timing renders his muddles endearing. In the end, the women prevail. As Teresa and Fiona stake out their ground, and Stringer’s meek, goodhearted Mary blossoms, “Other Half” ends on a high note.
The run of the show is sadly a short one with only one more week remaining to treat yourself to a night of enormous talent and side splitting laughs. Please contact the box office at OnStage in Bedford at (817) 354-6444 or go online at www.onstageinbedford.com to purchase tickets.
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