THE SLEEPER
At Laguna Playhouse through March 19. Written by Catherine Butterfield, directed by Andrew Barnicle. Call (949) 497-2787 or go to www.LagunaPlayhouse.com.
While terrorism is a serious topic, America’s post Sept. 11 psyche leaves room for comedy, too, which “The Sleeper” exploits in this funny yet poignant tale of unease in the new world order. Gretchen (Amy Tribbey), a suburban housewife fixated on terrorist drills and anthrax awareness, finds herself drawn to her dysfunctional son’s tutor Matthew (Ray DeJohn),a handsome, swarthy man she begins to suspect is part of a terrorist sleeper cell. Her self-absorbed husband Bill (Tim Meinelschmidt) is perpetually stressed about a pending initial public offering, so she’s free to carry on an affair. Meanwhile, her sassy, wannabe-actress sister Vivien (Clarinda Ross) resents her sister’s marriage into money. When Gretchen’s ID and credit card disappear, she panics, fearing her new love is financing terrorist activity at her expense. The storyline, told in a flashback style that emphasizes stereotypical foibles, generated plenty of laughs from the premiere-night audience. But the play ends abruptly, with Gretchen seeming a bit out of character and questions about Matthew not adequately addressed. The Sleeper is short,just 75 minutes with no intermission. While pleasantly entertaining with strong cast performances, a full second act may have rounded out the story.
,Sandi Cain
RATING –
Three Briefcases (out of four)
