Universal Humor at The Everett: WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS, MEN ARE FROM URANUS

Following a command from the Boss at the Genome Observation Department, two Lab Technicians spin “Woman” and “Man” into creation from a petri dish. These experimental subjects embark on a live journey of discovery that observers will find both witty and a touch of wistful. The subjects must learn to connect with one another, though (surprise) they find that they differ in many ways, and are not supplied with instructions. The Technicians cannot seem to help but meddle some, seeing that Man is in over his head. Talk about drama in relationships! There is something for everyone in this show, which is sure to have you laughing and perhaps sighing a little, as evidenced by opening night’s audience.

Rounding out the cast of WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS, MEN ARE FROM URANUS are Allison Brooks and Stephanie Williams who portray the Lab Technicians.

Georgiana Staley, she is Woman! Her expressions, physicality, character interpretation and timing reaped much audience reaction. The scene where she is birthing away behind a partition (without much help from Man) just steals the show. Also well executed was the maturation sequencing as Woman progressed through various stages in life. Wayne Meadows plays the quintessential Man, evoking sympathy, and laughter, with his “deer in the headlight” reactions to Woman. The interplay and timing between the two is terrific and adorable. In an interesting switch, female lab techs are featured in this show instead of traditional male casting of these roles. Lab Technician #1, played by Allison Brooks, and Lab Technician #2, played by Stephanie Williams, don’t always agree. They sometimes ignore the Genome Observation Department dictates and are not perfect, but they do stir up the sauce to spill out the laughter. Also appearing on stage in lab coats to assist are backstage crew members Jenn Fleagle and Lukas Vacula.

This production runs under an hour, and there is a fifteen minute intermission. A minimal, but funky set (Ruth K. Brown, David Sokolowski) is used. Sports wear is worn by Woman and Man instead of body suits (Star Timney, Costumer), which seems to work just fine for this production.

The Everett Theatre is an historic building. It is lovingly kept with an old time theater concession stand with fresh popcorn, candy, assorted beverages, and friendly people behind the counter who make one feel welcome. A coupon for this fun show is available at https://www.stagemagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Everett-May-Ad.pdf which also includes a free popcorn.

WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS, MEN ARE FROM URANUS
Written by Judith Sapperstein and Gary Murway
Directed by Ruth K. Brown
May 10 – 19, 2013
The Everett Theatre
45 W. Main Street
Middletown, DE 19709
302-378-7038
http://www.everetttheatre.com/