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THESPIAN THOUGHTS

Now here’s something you don’t see every day . . . a play featuring a claim that the whole basis of Christianity is a myth built on invented stories.

That’s the conspiracy theory of a supposed Vatican scholar who bursts into the Italian vacation home of two British couples claiming the authorities are after him because of a secret he has discovered.

The Brits react in a traditionally British way – by offering him a cup of tea and patiently listening to his tales of the Resurrection being faked and other claimed frauds.

Some opportunities for absurdist domestic comedy amid all the mystery are missed as director David McClendon instead puts the thriller elements to the fore, allowing the Da Vinci Code style jeopardy and the long monologues of the home invader to dominate proceedings.

He is blessed by having in the lead role of on the run Humphrey Biddulph the charismatic Ron Bottitta, who has been doing terrific work on the LA Theatre scene in recent years in the likes of Rank at the Odyssey and Superior Donuts at The Geffen. Remembering all that marathon dialogue must have been a struggle and he covers the occasional lapse well by staying in his
disoriented character and making it all seem natural.

Such a flashy lead performance can sometimes threaten to overwhelm the supporting players but Pippa Hinchley as English tourist Eleanor reacts well, using good timing and comic instincts to build a believable character who seems more modern than her Downton Abbey style fellow holidaymakers.

Special praise too for the sound design by Bill Froggatt and set design of Jeff G Rack which are a huge help in making the Tuscany farmhouse setting authentic.

GOD ONLY KNOWS

Written by Hugh Whitemore

Directed by David McClendon

At Theatre 40, 241 S. Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm
until April 20

Tickets $24 Thur & Fri, $26 Sat and Sun. Reservations
(310) 364 0535. Online Theatre 40

Cast

Ron Bottitta as Humphrey Biddulph

Chet Grissom as Charles

Pippa Hinchley as Eleanor

Wendy Radford as Kate

David Hunt Stafford as Vin

Producer – David Hunt Stafford

Assistant Director – Rhonda Lord

Stage Manager – Don Solosan

Set Designer – Jeff G Rack

Costume Designer – Michele Young

Lighting Designer – Ellen Monocroussos

Sound Designer – Bill Froggatt

Publicist – Philip Sokoloff

Sandro Monetti

Thespian Thoughts is a theatre review article on Actors Entertainment, a channel on the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production.

Pepper Jay Productions LLC

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