This semester, the musical has finally come to Stage Center, and it does not disappoint. “Lucky Stiff” is a musical comedy based on the 1983 novel “The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo” which follows the story of a young British shoe salesman, Harry Witherspoon, who accepts the strange circumstances of his late uncle’s will in order to receive his inheritance of six million dollars. Along the way he runs into several obstacles that threaten not only his inheritance, but his life as well.
The story of “Lucky Stiff” takes place in a variety of places, ranging from a shoe store in Britain, to an optometrist office in Atlantic City, to a casino in Monte Carlo. Despite the play taking place in over a dozen different settings, the set masterfully deals with the difficult situation.
The acting in “Lucky Stiff” is some of the best that has ever been at Stage Center. Costuming definitely plays its part in helping several of the actors portray multiple characters, but the greatest factor in helping their multiple transformations is their acting ability.
Despite not receiving top billing, Danna Pantzke, Danny Shannon, Sara Greenfield and Jesus Matta were all central to the success of the play and should all be commended for their work. They each make portraying multiple characters look simple, individualizing each one so well that each character is distinguishable. Every aspect of each of their portrayals is significant enough to give each character their own identity, thus making what could have been a train wreck an enjoyment of visual and audible variety.
Ryan Gilbert (Harry Witherspoon) and Kendal Lester (Annabel Glick) make an amazing duo. Gilbert’s excitable yet neurotic energy mixes well with Glick’s assertive aggressiveness. Their tense chemistry is enjoyable and they both are fun to watch during their musical numbers. Kendal in particular shines during her rendition of “Times Like This,” managing to pull off the surprisingly comedic aspect of the song all the while singing sincerely.
Andrew Berlien (Vincent Di Ruzzio) and John Rodrick (Luigi Gaudi) are good in their respective roles. Berlien’s portrayal of a skittish optometrist spiraling into insanity at the thought of being killed is one of the best parts of the show, as is seeing him run around in a French maid outfit. Rodrick does an adequate portrayal as an energetic Italian man. His accent is more than convincing, and his energy is infectious in whatever scenes he’s in. It’s a shame, however, that his lack of lines makes him a background character for the majority of the play and doesn’t adequately showcase his talent.
The real star of the show is Lisa Cantwell (Rita La Porta) in her portrayal of an absolutely ridiculous, legally blind hussy from Atlantic City. With her shrill nasal delivery, she couldn’t help but steal every scene she was in. Cantwell is an actor to be praised, as every moment she’s on stage is as hilarious as the last. Her delivery is impeccable, as is her commitment to the character. Talking and singing in as high of a register as she does in the play can’t be easy, but she does it wonderfully.
The musical numbers of the show are intensely hilarious and well executed. Not one actor is off in any way. Many of the lyrics are thoughtfully done yet intricate, but the actors pull it off and make it look easy. The show contains enough to keep up the flow of energy, without drowning the production in an endless number of needless songs.
“Lucky Stiff” is the first musical to come to Stage Center, but hopefully will not be the last. It’s a captivating show that is sure to leave an impression on all that see it, and even people that typically wouldn’t want to see a musical can enjoy it. The show is almost over, but there are still three more performances to see on Dec. 10-12. Don’t miss out on the last play of the year, because Stage Center has most certainly saved the best for last.