"The Real Inspector Hound," the Masque and Gown show that premiered last night, is "first class family entertainment," according to one of its critics.
The plot revolves around a parody of British whodunit theater and self-obsessed critics. Tom Stoppard's play shows two theater critics, Moon and Birdboot, who are more concerned with their personal lives rather than the characters on stage. The critics have differing opinions and seemingly different reasons for critiquing the play. Moon wants to one-up a rival critic, while Birdboot is attempting to woo an actress.
Two plots emerge at the outset of the play: the dialogue between Birdboot and Moon and the storyline of the show the two critics are watching. These two distinct plots eventually merge as Birdboot and Moon become part of the play.
The show is junior Matt Herzfeld's first directing gig, and he has done a wonderful job rising to the challenge. The script was not chosen by Herzfeld, but by members of the Masque and Gown board, some of whom are performers in the play. Herzfeld said that he was given ample time to prepare, although admitted he could have used his time more wisely, rather than having "spent all the time in the beginning."
The role of Mrs. Drudge, the maid, is played by Shelley Barron '09. She produces a lovely Cockney accent and creates quite a dynamic character, despite her few lines. Mrs. Drudge, though mostly quiet, is not above pointing out the other characters as potential murderers in order to expose the identity of the deranged sociopath running loose on the set.
Alex Williams-Bellotti '08 plays Felicity Cunningham, the spurned lover of Simon Gascoyne, played by Chase Cicchetti '09. The roles of Moon and Birdboot are played by Phil Gates '08 and Torin Peterson '07, respectively. The beautiful actress Birdboot admires is played by Katie Riendeau '07, while Jared Hunt '08 plays the part of Magnus. The role of Inspector Hound is played by first year Christian Adams.
Herzfeld prepared the cast for performance through cooperative exercises and discussions about the players' roles, employing a method he described as "trial by fire." These extensive preparations were evident in the smoothness of the dress rehearsal. The scenes ran quite smoothly and the plot was well-paced?tinged with sarcasm and clever twists.
"The Real Inspector Hound," which will be performed today and tomorrow at 8:00 p.m. in Wish Theater, keeps the audience guessing and laughing throughout?definitely a fine way to spend an hour.
As Herzfeld said, "It's a hoot."