 "Photo: Janine M. Pixley / Courtesy WSU Theatre")
Set in Old Venice, “The Servant of Two Masters” brings laughs while holding the audience’s attention with an interesting plot.
Arlecchino, played by Jason Cabral, is a clever but illiterate servant who commits himself to different masters by way of circumstance. Beatrice Rasponi (Sara Hymes) has come to Venice in search of her lost love, Florindo Aretusi (Jordan Whalen), and, as fate would have it, they share the same servant. Beatrice, who is disguised as her dead brother throughout the majority of the play, has her share of problems when she runs across Pantalone dei Bisognosi. His daughter, Clarice (Lorelei Strum), was promised to be married to Beatrice’s dead brother, giving the play an interesting dynamic.
A story about love and a figurative tug-of-war among the characters set in 1750, the play uses modern day references that allow for a broader comedic range of jokes, showing the audience a lighter side to every scene.
The actors poke fun at themselves by allowing the audience to hear their characters inner thoughts. They speak to the audience conversationally, only to be interrupted by another cast member with the question, “Who are you talking to?”
The acting in this play is outstanding: with fluid dialog and movement of characters. Arlecchino, who really gives the play its edge, can be seen flipping around, dancing and, at one point, climbing to the top of the set.
Props are used sparingly and wisely, especially when considering the use of masks by certain characters in the play. The funniest characters all wear masks, giving them an authentic old-Venice feel.
The storyline in this play has its share of twists and turns; but, for the most part, the plot is simple enough for viewers to comprehend. Skits are performed throughout the play in which actors step out of their roles to add to the already hilarious stage-acting.
“The Servant of Two Masters” will be showing at the Hilberry Theatre until March 27. Tickets are $30.
This play is great for a couple’s retreat, family outings or even going alone. Full of laughs, “The Servant of Two Masters” is nothing short of entertaining.
Grade: A-
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