by dick kerekes dickkerekes@yahoo.com
Gainesville’s Hippodrome Theatre opened its first show of 2007, The Smell of the Kill, and it will be on stage until February 4th. If you like your comedy on the dark side with exceptionally good acting, make plans to catch this gem.
The women in this show, Molly (Cady West Gary), Debra (Nell Page) and Nicky (Laura Rohner), along with their unseen husbands (who are only heard a few times off-stage), have dinner every month at one of their homes. After dinner, we find them chatting in Nicky’s classy, modern kitchen. The ladies have been friends for a number of years and were drawn to each other because their husbands were classmates at the same college.
All marriages seem to have problems, or at least challenges, and our three ladies have their share.
Nicky’s husband has been indicted for embezzlement of several million dollars, and is causing financial burdens for the family. Debra’s husband is a real estate salesman who can’t keep his hands off his female customers or the wives of his best friends, and she knows this and lives with it. Molly’s husband is obsessive and wants to know where she is all the time, day and night, but pays no attention to her physical needs and hasn’t for a while. She says she loves him but has a lover on the side.
On this particular evening, when the ladies let their hair down and discuss their spousal difficulties, an opportunity comes that could allow them to shed their husbands permanently, like in death. I won’t reveal more because that is part of the fun and humor in this play.
Opening on Broadway in 2002, this play has been popular with theatres around the country. Playwright Michele Lowe has a well-crafted script that zips along without a dull moment, I guarantee. The ladies do a mini striptease as they unveil their inner feelings about each other and their husbands. Don’t worry – the effect is tantalizing but tasteful.
J. Jeffery Guice’s set would qualify for House Beautiful Magazine, and is fitting for the lifestyle that Nicky has been living. It is gorgeous and practical to accommodate the sight lines of the Hippodrome seating on three sides.
This is the first show directed by Robert H. Sagtterlee and he has selected an outstanding cast with wonderful chemistry and timing.
The Hippodrome is located in downtown Gainesville. May I recommend the Saturday 5PM show or the Sunday Matinee at 2 PM? These times allow a leisurely daylight drive down and back.
I am often asked to recommend plays to various theatre groups, since I see so many outside of the Jacksonville area. This play would do well on a full-sized stage, but is excellent for the studio spaces that Wilson Center and Player’s by the Sea currently have (and the Limelight Theatre will soon have). Plays with really good parts for women do not seem to be plentiful, and this one gives each actress a role they can sink their teeth into and shine.
Last Saturday, was a very special day for the Hippodrome as they celebrated the 25th anniversary of their cinema theatre that is on the main floor in the same building. The building was overflowing with theatre and movie patrons that shared some pizza as they went to their choice of entertainment. If you have not experienced the Hipp, I highly recommend a visit. Call (352) 375.HIPP or visit their website at thehipp.org.
Opening on April 20 is The Chosen, adapted from the novel by Chaim Potok. It was the winner of the Barrymore Award for Outstanding New Play in l998. Make your plans now as I am sure that one will be well attended.
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