Welcome to eccentricity, unexpected engagements, false emotions and ridiculous displays of narcissism. Welcome to the funniest nightmare you've ever had, a roller coaster through the spectrum of personality disorders and an 85-year-old episode of Seinfeld. In other words, welcome to the house of the Bliss family.
Noel Coward's "Hay Fever," continuing its run this weekend in the Balch Arena Theater, is sure to make its audience feel welcome. Directed by Sheriden Thomas, the story revolves around the hilarious moments of a family that is just too histrionic to relate to anyone but its own abnormal members. Well-executed with competent comedic acting and excellent costuming, the show displays a unique mastery of its own socially awkward situations.
The trouble begins when all four Blisses realize that they have invited guests to stay in the Japanese room for the weekend. The conflict marks the figurative end of the world for the family, with Judith Bliss remarking, "I wish I were dead!" As the four guests filter in, romance, obscenity and theatrics ensue as the Bliss family raises the stakes higher and higher for their own entertainment. The guests, on the other hand, find themselves caught in a superficial battle where they are forced to act as obliging witnesses to the Bliss family's theatrics.
At times, however, the show can seem drawn out as the audience has heard enough of the Bliss's dramatic exclamations. Yet this problem seems mostly script-based, and the capable acting and directing is able to sustain the audience's attention and amusement through the weaker parts of the play.
The heart of the family, Judith Bliss, played by junior Lauren Murphy, graces the stage in fabulous costumes always accessorized with an expression of superiority. Her voice crescendos quickly, making the later, more climactic scenes a bit predictable in execution. Overall, however, her physicality is always fun to watch. In addition, Murphy has a wonderful singing voice that is highlighted near the middle of the show.
As with Murphy, the narcissistic tendencies of Judith's husband, patriarch David Bliss, are made entertaining through actor Aristotle Kousakis' irritable reactions.
Madeline Blue Schussel plays the daughter, Ing?©nue Sorel Bliss. She comes off as quirky and flowing as the fabled green fairy, throwing herself upon the settee and exclaiming, "We're a beastly family and I hate us!" Intense in her acting, Schussel executes her comic choreography flawlessly; she is darling and invasive in the execution of her lines, demanding constant attention from the audience.
Seth Pitman, who plays son Simon Bliss, delivers hilarious physical comedy. At one point, he crawls across the top of the couch like some kind of highly-caffeinated lizard.
The four guests also bring an entertaining dynamic to the story. Myra Arundel (Stephanie Schussel) and Sandy Tyrell (Christopher Bonewitz) provide well-played performances as a vixen feigning innocence and a Texan boxer compelled to box the air when frustrated. Furthermore, Elizabeth Harelik's wide-eyed expressions make her amusing as the mousey Jackie Coryton. Richard Greatham's well-acted David Dennis is the most clear-headed of the guests - though it would be nice if the audience could hear his lines a bit better.
Another notable performance is given by Kasey Collins as the Bliss family's maid whose sarcastic lines, convincing cockney accent, and deliberate movements make her the sanest character in the play - though she carries the director's live cat around with her throughout the play, adding to the show's many oddities. And of course, no high-class English clan would be complete without a second maid, played by Margaux Birdsall, who makes the guests feel even more awkward as she walks about the house moaning from a terrible toothache.
"Hay Fever" invites its audience to the home of nutcases, entreating them to enjoy the never-ending dramatics of the house of Bliss.
