Reviewed by Sue Nedar
What do Charles Dickens, two escaped convicts, a mama’s boy, a red-headed detective, a smitten D.A., and a slightly dippy if not delightfully naive mama have in common? Well…you’ll just have to go and see A Christmas Cactus, by Eliot Byerrum, currently playing at The Newport Playhouse, to see for yourself.
It’s Christmas Eve, and Cactus O’Riley is facing a decision; keep her detective agency open? Or close it for good? What sort of legacy has she inherited from her predecessor, Jake Marley? And who are these orange jumpsuit-wearing men who’ve barged in looking for help?
Under the direction of Newport Playhouse staple Tony Annicone, this wonderful ensemble cast of six keep you guessing, and laughing, throughout.
Cactus O’Riley is played by the talented Tonya Killavey. Tonya brings a solid performance to the stage with her no-nonsense, gumshoe attitude, her slightly snarky rebuffs of the advances of D.A. Stuart Windsor, and her razor-sharp one liners. Agency secretary Fred Booker is played by James R. Walsh, who fools us into thinking he’s a mousy little mama’s boy, but he morphs from squeaky Boy Friday, to man in charge with panache. Next we meet Christopher Ferreira, the smarmy, D.A. Stuart Windsor who is very much taken with Cactus. Christopher is larger than life, and aptly over the top with his unrequited advances toward Cactus, and his drunk scene, replete with a very well done prat fall.
Looking for help are escaped convicts Neville Smedley and Ramon Ramirez, played by Rick Bagley and Josh Fogarty respsectively. Rick is a frequent member of the Newport Playhouse acting brigade, and he never disappoints. This show is no exception. Smedley is the poor accountant who was set up, and needs help clearing his name. Bagley elicits just the right amount of sympathy, while making you giggle at his sad-sackness. Fogarty’s portrayal of Ramirez was hilarious. His never-faltering Hispanic accent is perfect, and his facial expressions are priceless. This was the first time I’ve seen Josh on stage, and I found myself focused on him much of the time. Finally, we meet Adelaide Booker, played by Maureen Noel. Adelaide is Fred Booker’s ditzy and slightly overbearing mother, who mistakenly thinks she’s partaking in a Christmas party murder mystery game. In this reviewer’s opinion, she steals the show. She’s simply adorably hysterical as the naive mom, who’s developed a sweet spot for Smedley. Kudos for expertly alternating between bubble head and Gun Moll!
A Christmas Cactus is a fresh take on a holiday romp, and is truly an ensemble piece. Together these six keep you thoroughly entertained. Congratulations to director Tony Annicone for keeping the action moving, and the actors on point. A Christmas Cactus continues at The Newport Playhouse through December 31, 2019. Be sure to make the time to see this light-hearted and funny play, and enjoy a delicious all you can eat buffet, which is included in the all-inclusive price.
A Christmas Cactus from November 21 to December 31
Newport Playhouse, 102 J.T. Connell Highway, Newport, RI
Call them at 401-848-7529 or www.newportplayhouse.com for tickets.
