An unnamed city behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War: A vacationing dad, mom and daughter barge into the American embassy with bullets flying behind them. They’re being chased by crazed soldiers who mistake them for spies because Dear Old Dad took a snapshot of a military installation thinking it was a sightseeing attraction.
And that is only the beginning of the off-the-wall chaos coming from the somewhat skewed but undeniably comic mind of Woody Allen.
“Don’t Drink the Water” centers on what happens inside the embassy given the presence of troops at the front gate and no way out.
The script is clean. The characters are clear and the insights, uncanny. The way ahead keeps you laughing as you go.
Vanessa Langston’s directing definitely moves things along briskly but with no rush. The sight gags stand out. Dialogue deliveries could slow down here and there. Overall, however, it is evident: Everyone on stage is having a good time.
Greg Lucas shines as Axel, the inept in charge of the embassy during the ambassador’s absence. Lucas’ Woody Allen-alter ego interpretation communicates Charlie Chaplin: bewitched, bothered and bewildered.
Kelsey Jacobs’ Susan is bright and quirky as Axel’s love interest.
John Chapman and Rochelle Wyatt as the sappy dad and mainstay wife make for a classic portrait of American tourists in over their heads.
John N. Hartquist spices as Father Drobney, the man of the cloth hounding everybody with the magic tricks he practices in the attic.
Hugh Thomas and Lucy Oaks as the Sultan and his wife do a peculiar but absolutely delicious couple of minutes sneaking drinks after the embassy party. With no dialogue, the two come across as tipsy old folks behaving like 5-year-olds. Snickering with them is the only correct response.
An into-it cast sets the example for this free-for-all, fun-for-all.
Reactions? Comments? Email Dale Burrows at grayghost7@comcast.net or entertainment@weeklyherald.com.
‘Don’t Drink the Water’
WHEN: 8 p.m. June 8 and 22, 3:30 p.m. June 10 and 24
WHERE: Northshore Senior Center, 10201 E Riverside Drive, Bothell
TICKETS: $15 general, $12.50 seniors, available at the door or www.cctbothell.org
INFO: 425-487-2441
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