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Not having been able to obtain a review of "Five Women...", the telephone recording sounded like a pretty good endorsement. As I waited to be called from the waiting list, only women came through the door, and I began to wonder if this was going to be another evening with Steel Magnolias and Fried Green Tomatoes. The box office assured me that it was funnier--he was right!
Even though I was a part of the 10% minority of males at the performance (they had to add chairs to the seating), I found Alan Ball's script about five bridesmaids to be relevant (as father of the bride this May), full of sustained laughter (I thought it funnier than 'Nunsense'), cleverly expanded with visual and verbal repartee with off-stage characters, appealing (the other side to the mating ritual called dating), structured well enough to play each of the five off each other en masse, triplets, and pairs [especially the dialogue between the experienced (100 strong) 34-year-old best friend of the bride and the only male cast member], and broad enough to include self-esteem, Christian fundamentalism, child abuse, and gays.
The ensemble is balanced and talented. The set reminds me of Neil Simon's 'California Suite'. The church [Seventh St Theatre] is in better shape than when I saw a Janus Society production of 'Christmas Carol' there.
Be prepared to enjoy yourself at the wedding reception along with the cast during intermission complete with wedding cake from Smitty's, and DJ-hosted dancing (I never once looked at my watch during the 2-hour production). The production schedule has been expanded from three days a week to five, and from three weeks to four, plus the possiblilty of a summer remount.
Directed by Jean Thomsen
Produced by In Mixed Company, 834-3032
Seen on 23 Jan 96 8pm
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