The Gods of Comedy

By Ken Ludwig

Directed by: Robyn Mead

Assistant Director: Kristina Rosette

Produced by Allen Contemporary Theatre and Mikey Abrams, Realtor

Reviewed by: Sara Jones

What would you give if you could call on Greek gods to help you when you’re in trouble? Well, you might want to watch what you wish for, as Daphne – played by Kelsey Korman – quickly learns in The Gods of Comedy.

The show opens in Greece, making use of a screen pulled down to block view to the stage behind. By the screen, there is a cart covered in wares being sold by Aristide, the first of three roles for Beau Dameron. We learn that the others there with him are not vacationers but scholars there to study before heading back home to their “American Liberal Arts College,” where they’re all employed as faculty. The merchant, Aristide, ends up giving Daphne a talisman that he claims can call down the gods from Mount Olympus to help her if she ever needs them.

As the others leave the stage, Aristide takes over as narrator for a bit. With clever use of the screen, he gives us a little background on Daphne and her trip back to the US east coast.

Once back in the US, the screen goes up and we get our first unobstructed view of the beautiful set built and designed by Bill Wash. Most of the action takes place in an office, which has been impeccably painted by the talented Kasey Bush. She artfully decorated the walls with a vision of bricks showing through fallen plaster. The back wall holds shelves with books and knickknacks, a pitcher of water – the usual trappings of a professor’s office. The entrance up center is flanked by columns giving us a sense that this particular professor is a fan of Greek mythology. Ralph – played by Grant Palmore – has just made an incredible discovery! Never before seen ancient Greek literature, right there in the college library – misfiled all these years. This discovery couldn’t have come at a better time – it’s the weekend of the college’s big reunion-slash-fundraiser, and Dean Trickett (Penny Elaine) is determined to bring in the dough!

Ralph leaves his discovery with Daphne for safe keeping – he doesn’t want to carry it all over campus – and Daphne promptly loses track of it by way of Aleski (Beau Dameron again – now Russian!), who was cleaning the office while she was out.

Beside herself and not knowing what else to do, Daphne calls on the Greek gods to come help her find the missing book.

Straight down from Mount Olympus come Dionysus (Blake Aaron Rice) and Thalia (Charlotte Dameron), referring to themselves as THE GODS OF COMEDY! To prove themselves to Daphne, they summon snow and pyrotechnics! These special effects – and many others! - courtesy of Greg and Melinda Cotton, give this show an extra unexpected pizzaz that the audience enjoys.

At one point, the gods decide they need more help and attempt to call down Apollo, but accidentally summon Ares, god of war (B Dameron again!), which causes another level of confusion and chaos.

And what good story would be complete without a star? Someone’s going to turn this new Greek text into a movie and Brooklyn (Heather Walker Shin) wants to make sure she’s a shooin for the leading lady. Even if it means seducing Ralph to get what she wants.

Speaking of seduction, there ends up being a good bit of that going on – these Greek gods just can’t help themselves! Who’s chasing after whom becomes even more convoluted when the gods use their powers to swap looks with other people – is that Dean Trickett? Or is that Thalia pretending to be Dean Trickett?!

Director Robyn Mead expertly coordinates actors transforming right before our eyes by way of some shrubbery and a cast that’s talented and versatile. With the use of accessories, the audience manages to always stay in the know of who’s who.

This is a really fun show full of little surprises sprinkled throughout. Be sure to catch it while you can! Ticket information can be found at Allencontemporarytheatre.com

Audience Rating: PG-13 for sexual content

Accessible Seating: Available

Hearing Devices: Not Available

Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available

Production Sound Level: Comfortable

Sara Jones