Review: The cast of RUN FOR YOUR WIFE will have you kicking for joy at Richardson Theatre Centre

Run For Your Wife

Farce by Ray Cooney
Directed by Rachael Lindley and Janette Oswald

Produced by Richardson Theatre Centre

Audience Rating- PG 13
Running Time – 2 hours with a 15 min intermission
Accessible Seating- Available
Hearing Devices- not available
Sensory Friendly- not available
ASL showing- not available
Volume Level- be prepared for loud screaming
Notes/Visuals to prepare for- adult language, screaming, adult situations

Reviewed by Teri Williams

GSRFYW! Oh sorry, only John Smith would understand that reference in my current schedule. Let me explain. John Smith, the British protagonist in the farce, Run For Your Wife has had an unfortunate incident which threatens to expose his current life situation. You see, John is a taxi driver with a secret (or two) and he keeps a tight schedule as to where he is supposed to be on the daily. He uses a clever acronym code to remind him. When his carefully crafted world begins to come undone, we are very fortunate to be witness.

At first glance of this orange, gold and burgundy set, designed with exquisite detail by designer Greg Smith, it’s clear we are going back to the 80’s. Smith was so detailed to even ensure we had a “view” when the curtains were opened. There was also a clever use of costume detailing by resident costume designer Kristin Moore to incorporate the gold and burgundy within the characters.

Co-Directors Rachael Lindley and Jannette Oswald created a visual atmosphere and an extremely gifted cast with perfect synchronicity, which was absolutely required to make this sequence of events unfold with precision and humor. Behind the scenes stage manager Penny Elaine must've never had a moments rest as these characters are in and out and in and well...out. This cast is composed of such staggering talent, the ability of each actor to keep this frantic pace and catch all cues and innuendos was nothing short of impressive.

Mary Smith, portrayed with a composed dignity (only to be completely and brilliantly shattered later) by Alison Schonhoff. Barbara Smith is played by Natasha Braun who expertly teeters between flirtation and exasperation. As detective Sergeant Porterhouse, Camilla Norder surprises and shocks with straightforward deliveries. Kenneth Fulenwider immediately engages and brings giggles in such a fun character. Anthony Magee is nothing short of superb with his adorable mannerisms and pleasant countenance. As neighbor Stanley, Jeff York astonishes and amazes with quirky characteristics and physical comedy talent which wildly caused gasps (...still questioning the intentionality of that huge couch to ground gag?? Please let us know, ha!) And then we have our John Smith, a character we should, by all means, be completely annoyed with. However, when you have an actor such as Ken Schwartz depicting this flawed fellow, we just simply fall in love. Schwartz gives us confusion with deception in a wide-eyed way we just accept with open arms because he is so adorable and convincing. The Schwartz-and-York comedic duo demonstrates the absolute hilarity that occurs when actors just let go, trust one another and embrace the absurdity. This entire cast left me kicking my feet in joy!

Oh, and I didn’t mean to leave you hanging. GSRFYW- Go See Run For Your Wife! At Richardson Theatre Center, now through May 4th , 2025. No show on Easter Sunday.

To The Stage,

Teri Lynn Williams