If you appreciate a good British farce, then don’t miss Clarkston Village Players version of ‘The Decorator.?
‘I think it’s a very funny play,? said Director Verne Vackaro. ‘It reminds me of the old Carol Burnett shows where they have these exaggerated characters. I like that broad humor and farces.?
‘The Decorator? is tale about Marcia, played by Nancy Penvose, an upper class woman who gets caught in an affair with Jane’s husband.
Penvose said she likes the way her character ‘flips.?
‘She goes from being very conservative to kind of wacky,? she said. ‘That’s fun to do.?
When Jane, played by Wendy Hedstrom, confronts Marcia about the affair, Marcia’s husband is not home yet from his business trip. Jane vows to return to Marcia’s house until she is able to tell Marcia’s husband of the affair.
‘I like that she (my character) has such a big swing,? Hedstrom said. ‘She actually has a good heart underneath it and really, really loves her husband, but will stop at nothing to get him back for his affair with Marcia.
Meanwhile Walter, the decorator, played by Vackero overhears the entire predicament, while painting Marcia’s husband’s study room. He offers Marcia a plan to get out of the situation by stumping Jane into thinking some other man is Marcia’s husband. When Marcia finds out Walter is a wannabe actor she hires him to play the part.
‘I love the character,? Vackaro said. ‘I think he’s just a fascinating character who loves himself and loves to act and he takes every opportunity he can to be an actor even though he’s not a very good actor and that’s always fun.?
Vackaro said his cast was wonderful, especially since he wasn’t originally supposed to play Walter.
‘I am really sorry the original actor wasn’t able to be here, but I have these two wonderful comedic actresses to work with. They have really helped me a tremendous amount, putting in a lot of extra rehearsals just to bring me up to speed,? he said. ‘They both are so professional and talented I think they’re the best.?
Penvose said the play was ‘difficult and challenging, but fun.?
‘I am really enjoying working with my fellow actors that’s been a treat,? she said. ‘I just think Mr. Vackaro is brilliant.?
Hedstrom said she has a love for British humor.
‘I love the Brits,? Hedstrom said. ‘I’m British by heritage so it’s actually fun to play a Brit and to work with Nancy and Verne of course has been great.?
‘The Decorator? runs January 20-23, 27- 29 at the Depot Theater, 4861 White Lake Road. Shows start at 7:30 p.m., Thursday; 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday; and 2 p.m. on Sunday.