“THEATRE PEOPLE OR THE ANGEL NEXT DOOR”

 “The Angel Next Door” currently playing at Scripps Ranch Theatre is a zany, 1940s-set screwball comedy written by Paul Slade Smith and adapted from Ferenc Molnár’s “Play at the Castle”. It is directed by Christopher Williams, no stranger to Smith, he also directed “Scapin” at North Coast Rep. recently. 

Danny Campbell, Kenny Bordieri, Melissa Fernandes and Sandy Campbell

The plot follows a pair of Broadway playwrights, Arthur and Charlotte Sanders  (Danny Campbell and Melissa Fernandes) who are trying  to "rewrite" a real-life romantic misunderstanding to save their young protégé's novel and their next Broadway hit. All of this is happening in an ‘opulent mansion’ in Newport, R.I.

Williams has gathered a strong and well -seasoned cast who show incredibly strong comedic timing. In particular, characters like Olga (Sandy Campbell who all but steals the show) as the grim, apathetic housekeeper who openly despises "theater people”, and Victor Pratt (John DeCarlo, who had me PMP with his depiction of Victor in Heaven),  as he dim-witted, narcissistic Broadway baritone. Both frequently steal the spotlight with their brilliant physical comedy and straight laced facial gestures.

Melissa Fernandes and Taylor Henderson

Others in the cast include: (Oliver) Kenny Bordieri as the ‘I don’t have a clue’ novelist and (Margot) Taylor Henderson, the cheating par amour. 

Melissa Fernandes and Sandy Campbell

The play features a classic "four-door" (Dixon Fish) set layout designed to break the fourth wall and accelerate the madcap pacing of a traditional farce. Michelle Miles is credited for the lighting, Omar Ramos sound, Duane McGregor, Props Design, Set Dressing, Painting and Heather K. Nunn with a variety of costume changes. (No one is credited for wigs)

Melissa Fernandes, Kenny Bordieri, Danny Campbell 

My only complaint is that the first act went on too long setting up the craziness for Act II. All in all, though, there is nothing more insane than the world we live in now, so enjoy a little fantasy.

Enjoy.

See you at the theatre. 

Runs through Sept. 20. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays.

Where: Scripps Ranch Theatre at the Legler Benbough Theatre, 9783 Avenue of Nations, Alliant International University, San Diego

Tickets: $27-$52

Photo: Ken Jacques

Phone: 858-578-7728

Online: scrippsranchtheatre.org