It Runs in the Family
By Ray Cooney
Produced by Allen Contemporary Theatre and Mikey Abrams, Realtor
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Reviewed by Natalie Shaw
Dad: "Boys, this is Uncle Donovan and Cousin Harry. They're visiting from Australia until after Christmas."
Cue blank stares given by Ian, (10) and Elijah, (7.)
Mom: "Did you boys know that you had family from Australia? They've come a long way just to meet you!
Elijah: (to Cousin Harry) You're really tall!
This scene took place just two days ago in my house. Harry, better known as Harrison to us, has since decided that "Harry" sounds more grown up than his given name. I last saw him when he was two years old at my wedding, when I married his Uncle Andrew. I have a few funny pictures of him photo-bombing our wedding moments. But, we have only seen him briefly over video-chat throughout the years, and have only seen his father, Donovan (my husband's brother) two or three other times in person over the course of our marriage. Please understand that our two sons, Ian and Elijah, have met them both over video-chat a few times, but I don't think it really registered to them that they have family from Australia until this day. My husband came to America from Australia with his family when he was seven years old, and he has stayed in the U.S. since that time. His brother, however, moved back to Australia and lives happily with his wife and three kids, Harrison/Harry being the oldest.
It can be a little startling and slightly overwhelming to meet family that you didn't know you had, especially when we're talking about an uncle or a first cousin! How do you relate to them? What do you even say to break the ice? How long will you have to make conversation with them before it's appropriate to walk away? And, why the heck are you JUST NOW meeting them?!
Dr. Mortimore, played by Eddy Herring in It Runs in the Family has a similar experience with meeting a new family member that he didn't know he had. Only this time, it's a much more dynamic relationship than that of an uncle or a cousin. It is, in fact, his own son! One, of course, that he didn't know he had. Leslie, played by Aidan Fenton, has believed that his father was a mountain climber who died before he was born, while his father, Dr. Mortimore had no idea his son (Leslie) even existed! Not only is Dr. Mortimore married (not to Leslie's mother, as it were,) he is on his way to becoming a highly successful and recognized Neurologist. But, this will ruin EVERYTHING! His job, his marriage, his entire life could go right down to drain, if this gets out! But, former lover and mother to Leslie, Jane Tate, played by Rebecca Tischer is determined to set her son's mind at ease by having him finally know the truth and meet his real father. Poor Dr. Bonney, played by Brian Hoffman, is thrown into the middle of all the mess, as well as the rest of the staff, a sergeant and a patient named Bill.
As tensions rise, and the situation becomes more and more muddy, the audience takes pleasure in the awkward antics brought on by the players through their misinformed, misguided and misunderstood characters. Certainly the most hilariously unnerved relationship is between Dr. Mortimore and Dr. Bonney; the first expects his friend to share in his burden, while the second does his best (unsuccessfully) to ensure boundaries are respected. Herring humorously brings us a pompous, self-centered Dr. Mortimore who seems to have met his fate by use of authority and hierarchy in his field of medicine, making us love him, but loathe him at the same time. Hoffman provides us with a kindhearted, sympathetic and lovely Dr. Bonney. But, the poor old chap, is exactly that-- bonny, and thus manipulated and mistreated by the assertive Dr. Mortimore. In the 18th century world of Commedia Dell'Arte, this is what we would call a master/servant relationship, with the mean spirited Pantolone smiting his slave, Harlequin for having misunderstood his given task. Herring and Hoffman make an excellent duo, with quick-witted zingers left and right and inventive buffoonery that may make you think they've both lost their minds.
But, the real comedy thief in this show is Bill, played by the hilarious Shawn Petrello! His comedic timing and incredible delivery of absurdity is so spot-on, you will seriously be rolling in your seat and belly-laughing during each of his scenes. Petrello is, in all honesty, a comedic genius! I have yet to see anyone on stage who is quite this funny!
It Runs in the Family is a laugh-out-loud and all-around excellent play; full of energy and shenanigans! You are sure to have a great time! Make reservations to see it, today! Tickets available at allencontemporarytheatre.net.
Audience Rating: PG-13 for mature content
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory-Friendly Showing: Not available
Production Sound Level: Comfortable
Noises and Visuals to Know About: None
Y'all Enjoy!
Natalie Shaw
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