What we all do a lot of in our lives is wait. So says Nancy Frick, author of WAITING FOR THE FAT LADY TO SING, now playing at Old Academy Theater. In this delightful series of vignettes based on the concept of waiting, we are exposed to some familiar situations (waiting for a verdict at a murder trial) and some not so familiar (Columbus waiting for land fall), but each perfectly demonstrates that time is controlling our lives. Talented playwright Frick also ably directs and is assisted by Charlotte Higgins.
Take Fitz (Ken Wilson), for example, in Waiting for the Moment. As a painter, all he wants is a decision on the color that Orlando (Leigh Jacobs), a pompous artist, and his defensive wife, Vivian (Courtney Bambrick) want for the living room wall. The wait goes from listening to the history of their dysfunctional marriage to being challenged to marry his present girl friend.
In Waiting for the Verdict, Milo (Norm Burnosky) is accused of killing his girl friend, Jasmine (Kellie Cooper in a great performance). He meant to kill his wife Maureen (Diane Lowenthal) but…that’s enough of the plot. Wait…until you see it!
Waiting to Board, the shortest piece of the evening, gives us a look at security in the future.
Columbus (Michael Gavanus) and his servant Diego (Thomas Abraham does a wonderful job) try and hold off the crew while they wait to find land in Waiting for Land Ho! It’s a good thing or we just might be in the Bahamas!
What’s it like Waiting to be King? Prince (EdYoung) is doing just that, waiting for his Mom, the Queen (Barbara Weber) to make the move…and she is waiting and waiting. Anna (Terri Bateman) the servant almost steals the scene.
Waiting at the Piggly Wiggly is that situation where you are waiting in line to check out with someone you’d rather not. Jane (Brenna McBride) faces the Reverend’s wife, Margaret (Norma Kider) bravely and patiently, but the wait is as endless as the laughs.
Leigh Jacobs, Ken Wilson, Courtney Bambrick in a scene from WAITING FOR THE FAT LADY TO SING at Old Academy Players.
Waiting for the Fat Lady to Sing features Annie Hnatko in a wonderful finale.
Nineteen actors, most of whom are involved in the production including costumes, set design (what a collection of clocks), light, sound and music are to be congratulated for double duty as should the producers Mary Jane Fullam and Pat Pelletreau.
WAITING FOR THE FAT LADY TO SING
Written by Nancy Frick
Directed by Nancy Frick and Charlotte Higgins
April 26 – May 12, 2013
Old Academy Players
3540-44 Indian Queen Lane
Philadelphia, Pa. 19129
http://www.oldacademyplayers.org/
