Get Caught Laughing Out Loud with "Caught in the Net"!

This clever farce about conventional marriage nets big Laughs

(Theatre Reviewer: Jym Newton)

February 22, 2010

Laugh out loud this month at Smithfield Little Theatre!  SLT has brings Ray Cooney’s award-winning sequel to "Run for Your Wife," to the stage beautifully.   “Caught in the Net,” is a uniquely crafted comedy, where two homes are cleverly superimposed onto one set with the bumbling, bigamist taxi-driving John Smith (Peter Yanson) as the head of both households. 

The duplicitous Smith rebels against unfair marriage laws and

successfully keeps two wives and two children living in comfortable lifestyles. He laughs out loud to himself at the one-man-one-woman tyrannical idea of love and family.  Smith refuses to allow legislators to tell him whom to love. When his children meet on the internet and start talking about their respective fathers, all farce breaks loose!

Every cast member gave great performances, but Brian K. Teal is a stand out for his outrageously hilarious portrayal of Stanley Gardner, the high-strung lunatic who has been boarding in one of Smith's homes for some 18 years. Teal captures the magic that Carol Burnett brought to physical comedy, leading to roars of “out loud” laughter from the packed audience at SLT.  Teal energetically keeps the momentum of the play going from start to finish with brilliant comedic timing, which is essential for this type of farce.

Director April Jones also brought out wonderful performances from Mary Rose and Virginia Stowe. As Mary Smith, Rose’s impressive physical humor had the audience in stitches throughout all the plot’s twists and turns, and she was a dynamic scene partner to both Teal and Yanson. 

Stowe had a wonderful stage presence and a believable British accent, which was a most welcome surprise from such a young thespian.   Kristen Wilda, Walter Grubbs, and Skylar Norman balanced out the dysfunctional, entertaining Smith families and friends.

A special mention must also be given to Dan Steiger, Don Curnette and Tim Jones for the impeccable timing of the sound effects.  Between door bells and phone rings, these gentlemen never left a bell unheard or a scene interrupted unsuccessfully.

If you need a good laugh, as I did, go see “Caught in the Net” at Smithfield Little Theatre.    

Feb. 25-28, Mar. 4-7, 2010.

visit www.smithfieldlittletheatre.com