By Brandy Lee
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/ndpr/local-ndpr-951846.mp3
Fargo-Moorhead – In a season swinging from surreal American to Irish mystical, Theatre B makes an arc towards the comic farce with The Underpants by Carl Sternheim and adapted by Steve Martin. Complete with slamming doors, underwear, a nosy neighbor, and enough double entendres to make your eyes wink of their own accord, the original Underpants was penned in 1910 and adapted in 2002.
Set in Germany, the piece centers around Theo, a bombastic government clerk obsessed with the appropriateness of everything, including his wife, Louise. As the play opens, we understand that an unexplained sudden untying of a drawstring caused Louise's underpants (read: bloomers) to drop while she and Theo were attending a parade for the Kaiser. Suddenly, men of all types and talents are interested in renting the room to let in their flat, and the farce begins. Throughout Steve Martin's adaptation, the style and sensibilities of 1910 Germany are maintained, although modern references pop in via artful jokes that are clearly Martin's hand.
The costumes, designed by Lisa Donohue, reflect this mix of times, as do the set and props. It's an approach that works, mostly, with some lovely costume touches by Donohue. The impeccable timing and precise movements of the comic farce require an experienced ensemble familiar with the style---not consistent in this production. However, moments of hilarity shine from Marty Fankhanel as Versati and Jake Hartje as Klinglehoff in their larger-than-life characters. As the Italian poet burning with ardor for the unfortunate bloomer-challenged Louise, Mr. Fankhanel shows a delicious gift for timing and physicality. Also interesting is the too-tense Klinglehoff, a comic character precisely colored by Jake Hartje.
In the style of many area productions, Theatre B connects this production of The Underpants, described as a lusty farce', with a local charity lunch by African Soul, American Heart' through an event called Get Your Panties In A Bunch' to raise awareness of Sudanese girls whose lives are limited by the lack of undergarments and hygiene products.
The Underpants by Theatre B runs through February 26th at the Main Avenue Theatre.
For Prairie Public, I'm Brandy Lee.