Review: Rover Dramawerks brings side-splitting comedy with HERE LIES JEREMY TROY!

Here Lies Jeremy Troy

By Jack Sharkey

Directed by Eddy Herring

Produced by Rover Dramawerks

Reviewed by Grant Palmore

Lies and laughter await! Rover Dramawerks’ lively farcical comedy Here Lies Jeremy Troy opened last weekend at Plano’s Cox Playhouse. Published in 1965 by Jack Sharkey, director Eddy Herring revives this production in the exuberant 1980s: a playground of bold patterns, big hair, and acid-washed jeans galore (excellent costumes and set design by Penny Elaine and Herring, respectively). 

Once the play sets forth, it’s clear the energetic fashion reflects the greater zeal of the cast. Jeremy Troy (Brian Hoffman) begins on a quest to deliver his career-marking proposal to his law firm, reliant on the dutiful support of his wife Kathryn (Heather Walker Shin). The situation is complicated when his artsy college cohort Charlie Bickle (Sean M. Lewis) intervenes and uncovers a secret that could be Jeremy’s undoing personally and professionally. Add to that the antics added by call-phone model Tina Winslow (Rasahe Boyd) and Jeremy’s jokester boss Sven Ivorsen (Anthony Magee), and one can only imagine the madness in store. 

Sharkey’s script and Herring’s staging allow each cast member to shine in their respective roles. Hoffman’s Jeremy oscillates successfully between control and chaos (practically vibrating with fret) as he identifies holes in his fiction and labors to fashion falsehoods convincingly enough to elude those who suspect his lies. Lewis proves extremely entertaining as his portrayal of Charlie transforms from a laidback freeloader into a tightly wound ball of anxiety as he joins Jeremy’s charade. Walker Shin’s Kathryn delights in emotional outbursts, withering stares, and side-splitting physical comedy. Boyd delivers naïve Tina with endearing ditzy charm, and Magee’s cheerful Sven provides a hilarious host for the deceit put upon him by the group.

Rover Dramawerks has assembled an excellent night of entertainment with its comedic cast and skillful crew. Here Lies Jeremy Troy plays from Friday, January 11 to Saturday, January 27, at Rover Dramawerks in Plano, Texas.  Don’t miss your opportunity to experience this hilarious night of mayhem! Get your tickets today!

Audience Rating: PG13 (Strong language, sexual innuendo, brief instances of mild violence)

Run Time: 2 hours, 15 minute intermission

Accessible Seating: Available 

Hearing Devices: Not available

Sensory Friendly Performance: Not Available

ASL Performance: Not Available

Production Sound Level: Comfortable volume level 

Noises or Visuals to Prepare For: No noise or visuals of concern

Check it out!

Grant Palmore