ENTER THE GUARDSMAN
Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Book by Scott Wentworth, music by Craig Bohmler, lyrics by Marion Alder, directed by Wentworth, musical direction by Dennis Castellano. Through Dec. 3. Tickets $34-$41. Call (949) 497-2787; lagunaplayhouse.com
“Enter the Guardsman,” the musical adaptation of Ferenc Molnar’s original 1910 play “The Guardsman,” is a lighthearted comedy centered on a theater couple that has been starring together in the same play. Though married for only six months, the relationship already seems to have lost its spark. Unsure of his fickle wife’s fidelity, the Actor impersonates a guardsman to woo his supposedly unsuspecting wife. (It’s called suspension of disbelief, people.) The Actor soon finds himself entangled in his own deception and begins to doubt whether he should continue the charade, wary of what may be revealed about his wife’s devotion. Although billed as a musical romance, the Actress’ affections remain ambiguous in the finale and the story doesn’t exactly pull at your heartstrings. Instead, it relies on its comedic appeal (and it doesn’t have much of that, either); particularly drawing laughs as the Actor battles with himself in song, playing both the part of the outraged husband and determined guardsman. In the end, though, it is anticlimactic and leaves the audience emotionally flat. Nevertheless, the show is entertaining, supported by the compelling singing voices of the cast. The Actor, played by Andrew Barnicle, delivers a convincing performance, successfully creating two distinct characters. Other notable performances include the role of the Playwright, performed by P.M. Howard, and Melissa Fahn playing the role of the thoroughly unlikable Wardrobe Mistress. The music is pleasant, but you don’t leave the theater humming any tunes. All in all, the play is agreeable and definitely beats a night of TV, but it’s not memorable.
,MaryBeth Vanston and Ludmilla Salvacion
