Holiday shows come in many shapes and sizes. IN-LAWS, OUTLAWS, AND OTHER PEOPLE (THAT SHOULD BE SHOT) has its own little nook. Although it may never be mistaken for high literature, in the hands of director, Fran Carroll and his willing cast, it is a delightful look at the holidays.
The plot is not so unfamiliar. A family preparing for the holidays is invaded by two inept, but desperate bank robbers hiding from the police. As family members and others join the fun, they learn that they too have become hostages. As the snowy evening continues, the hostages and their captors learn a lot about each other and the evening unfolds to the delight of the audience.
Mike Gavanus as the Dad serves as a kind of guide-level head for the evening. He keeps his cool as all others about him bicker, snipe, weep and whine. He begins the evening overcoming his daughter’s angst as the two of them try and get the dinner together in the absence of mom who is flying home on Christmas Eve. As relatives arrive their foibles and insecurities leap out under the stress of being held hostage.
The family has a smorgasbord of stereotypes, and the cast plays them each to the hilt. Each member has his or her moment. Aunt Rose (Carole Gettman) and Uncle Leo (Steve Niles) stand out because they represent every spatting relative in every family. Also Carolyn Dixon as Beth plays the always sarcastic daughter with underlying vulnerability.
IN-LAWS, OUTLAWS, AND OTHER PEOPLE (THAT SHOULD BE SHOT) plays until January 24th. If you want to hold on to the vestiges of the holiday season enjoy the fun at The Village Players of Hatboro.
IN-LAWS, OUTLAWS, AND OTHER PEOPLE (THAT SHOULD BE SHOT)
by Steve Franco
Directed by Fran Carroll
January 9 – 24, 2015
The Village Players of Hatboro
401 Jefferson Ave.
Hatboro, PA 19040
215-675-6774
www.thevillageplayers.com
