The Tolucan Times: Entertaining Mr. Sloane

I saw two great shows on the weekend!By Pat TaylorJune 29th, 2011

The first… Best for the “cutting edge,” voyeuristic playgoer, and the second… a thrill for just about everyone!

Entertaining Mr. Sloane

A multi-layered, darkly demented British comedy, with more twists n’ turns than a roller coaster… this is a most surprising and entertaining production! A manipulative and predatory quartet of characters… each with their own agendas, take us on a titillating and unexpected journey. Master manipulators all… each have no scrupulous boundaries, in satisfying their own self centered personal needs! Written and first performed in London in 1964, by the controversially scandalous playwright Joe Orton (…whose own death was horrendously violent), the play’s explicit and dark humor raised much controversy. Under the raw and “oh so British” dynamic direction of Stan Zimmerman, an impressive and flawless cast of four, gave riveting and “award worthy” depictions. Hesitant to give away too much… or spoil your “cheeky fun,” I’ll only give you a wee peek at the outrageous storyline. When Sloane, a sexually cocky and attractive underaged young man, raised in an orphanage, turns up to rent a room from Kath, a “40-ish” lonely woman, and her elderly father… lives are forever changed.

Sloane is lusted over by both Kath and her wealthy older brother Ed, and distrusted by their ailing father… as many unsavory secrets unfold. Delicious, dark and often very funny… this is a compellingly “off beat” story. The cast of long respected and recognizable actors, work together with precision timing and professional pizzazz! Olivia d’Abo plays Kath with fluttery finesse, and Emrhys Cooper as Sloane sizzles with steamy boyish sensuality! Robin Gammell is excellent as the suspicious and ailing father, and Ian Buchanan is devilishly dynamic as the older brother with his own leering interest in Sloane. An excellent and perfectly selected cast all round! Setting the kinky tone with technical style, kudos to: Joel Daavid (props), Kevin King (costumes), Bosco Flanigan (lighting), Hector (sound) and Eusebio Aynaga (hair and wigs).

Presented with well thought out perfection, and earning a standing ovation on opening night… Do make it a point to meet the naughty Mr. Sloane! Only a four week run… so be quick about it! Running Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 6:30 through July 24 (dark on July 2 and 3) at the Actors Company Theatre located at 916 A N. Formosa Ave. in West Hollywood (free onsite parking). For tickets, go to https://www.plays411.net/newsite/show/play.

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