'Jeeves in Bloom' is a delightful performance
Everything is coming up roses at the Butler Little Theatre this weekend as they open “Jeeves in Bloom.”
An invited audience had the first look at this classic British farce.
The stage design was a delightful garden complete with climbing roses and a running water fountain. Designed by Dennis Casey, who also directed, the garden is essentially the drawing room in this contrived comedy.
In addition to setting the stage, Casey complied an eclectic cast to bring the quirky characters to life successfully. From newts, to knives, and burglary to butlery the show raced on for 135 minutes with nary a glance at the watch.
Jerry Johnston gave a solid performance of the stoic and confident Jeeves, the manservant who solved the conundrums that the snobby upper-class patrons created.
With deft skill and grace, Johnston moved and hit his blocking cues and timing flawlessly. Be it a drink, a coat or a cookbook his punctuality made the role work. The role of the resourceful Jeeves was in good hands with Johnston.
His boss, the affable yet absurdly random at times, Bertie, was played by Phillip Ball who nailed the role of the hilarious highbrow with ease. Ball's turn of a phrase and his physical comedy on stage had the audience in hysterics.
Daniel Williams, who played the profoundly awkward, newt-loving Augustus Fink-Nottle, had his work cut out for him as he was basically mute, save for his discussions of newts and with newts. His movements and mannerisms told the audience all they needed to know about this shy yet intense character.
The object of his affection was Madeline Basset played by Amy Evans. She was delightful as the darling ditzy dreamer and poet. Her over-the-top responses and dramatic approach to life was amusing and enjoyable. Her chemistry and connection with her leading men was comical.
The eccentric French Chef, Anatole, was played by the clever Grant Allen Clark. He styled the character's personality in a way the audience found extremely entertaining. His accent and flair were on point and created a persona we wanted to see more of. Each time he took the stage, there was laughs to be had.
The crazy couple who owned the garden was Thomas and Dahlia Travers played by Bob Meals and Nedra B. Casey. Casey delivered the British dialogue and vernacular with robust enthusiasm as though it were her native tongue. In typical Meals fashion, his character conveyed a range of emotions from flirtations to exasperation and the audience went willing on that journey with him.
A prescription for laughter couldn't hurt during these crazy times. “Jeeves in Bloom” just might be the cure for the winter blues.
Take time to read the program, you may get your laughing motor started before the curtain opens. “Jeeves in Bloom” runs through Dec. 1.
Tickets are on sale now.
WHO: Butler Little TheatreWHAT: “Jeeves in Bloom”WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 24 and Dec. 1, and Friday, Nov. 30; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25; and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Nov. 27 to 29WHERE: Butler Little Theatre, One Howard Street, ButlerTICKETS: $17 Available online at www.bltgroup.org
