by Sue Nedar
Newport Playhouse’s holiday offering is, “A Doublewide Texas Christmas” by Jones, Hope, & Wooten. Somewhere in the Texas heartland, lies the brand new town of Doublewide – Population, 10. It’s Christmas time, and things are complicated. You see, Doublewide is being double crossed by the county, there’s a nativity competition to worry about, and there’s a pack of overly aggressive raccoons hanging around just outside the door. All the makings of raucous Yule time comedy.
Under the direction of Playhouse icon, Tony Annicone, the ensemble cast of nine keeps the laughs coming all night long. When you have a true comedy ensemble cast such as this one, they really depend upon each other to keep the fast pace moving forward, or else you risk the jokes falling flat. This cast does a great job keeping the jokes coming.
The lights come up on Big Ethel played by Cindy Killavey. Big Ethel is addressing the residents of the local nursing home, who apparently have been “fraternizing.” Cindy delivers the opening (and lengthy) monologue with confidence and panache. Her opening scene sets the mood for the entire show. Listen to Big Ethel, and you’ll know you’re in a wacky town.
Another standout on opening night was Olivia Sahlin. The playbill credits Olivia as the production’s stage manager, however on opening night, Olivia played the role of Georgia Dean Rudd, the local barkeep who’s unsuccessful at dating. From my seat, you’d never know that Olivia hasn’t been rehearsing that role from the jump.
The rest of the ensemble is comprised of Rebecca Christie as Joveeta Crumpler, the new town’s unibrow mayor, Daniel J. Holmes, as Baby Crumpler, the town Fire Chief, Post Master, Police Department, and raccoon wrangler. Michael Johnson plays the role of Nash Sloggett, W. Richard Johnson is in the role of Haywood Sloggett, the town curmugeon, Sandi Nicastro in the role of Patsy Sloggett Price, who’s just arrived to town and is far from pleased to be there, Mary Pevear as Caprice Crumpler, the town celebrity, and Katrina Rossi as Lark Barken, the down on her luck pregnant girl.
Each one of these actors contribute to the hilarity of the evening, each with their own special portrayal of these decidedly loony characters, and they meld together beautifully as a true ensemble.
All in all, A Doublewide Texas Christmas is funny show, filled with funny moments, talented actors, and under the direction of a talented master. If you want to spend two hours suspending belief, forgetting your troubles, and just laughing at the silliness, this is the show for you. And who doesn’t want to do that?
So, take a break from the holiday hectics, and head over to The Newport Playhouse for a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet, then sit back and enjoy the wacky town of Doublewide, and then a Christmas themed cabaret. It’s time well spent!
A DOUBLEWIDE TEXAS CHRISTMAS (23 November to 31 December)
THE NEWPORT PLAYHOUSE, 102 Connell Highway, Newport, RI
1(401)848-7529 or www.newportplayhouse.com
