- UNDER MY SKIN
- Pasadena Playhouse
- Reviewed by Carol Kaufman Segal
These days, with so much strife
in the world, so much political chatter, and all the other things that can
wear us down, it is nice to know that we can go to the theater for an
evening of fun and laughter, and not take it seriously. Under My Skin,
written by Robert Sternin and Prudence Fraser, husband and wife team
(Who's the Boss?, The Nanny, Happily Divorced, and many others), and
directed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge (Ragtime), is just one of those plays
that lets you forget things for the moment and to simply relax and enjoy
some amusing entertainment.
First, I have to give plaudits to
John Iacovelli for his fantastic scenic design. It is exceptionally
different, beautiful and functional. Then credit must be given to the
entire cast for their wonderful portrayal of the characters they play.
Harrison Badish (catch that last
name!), played by Matt Walton, is a conceited multi-millionaire, CEO of a
healthcare insurance company, and most eligible bachelor in New York City.
He barely realizes that anyone else exists or matters. His main concern is
for profits and keeping his investors happy and rich. Melody Dent (Erin
Cardillo) is a divorcee who works as a temp for the company while
struggling at home to raise her young teenage daughter Casey (Danielle
Soibelman) and care for her elderly father Samuel (Hal Linden).
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- Fate would have it, that though Harrison is
practically oblivious to Melody, and she is not overly impressed with
Harrison, an unusual accident in an elevator in which both are killed
brings them to a life where each is able to search for and understand
the other. This occurs because a brazen Angel (Yvette Cason) decides
to bring them back to life, but in so doing, mixes up their souls and
she, Melody, becomes he, Harrison, and visa-versa. The antics that
each of them goes through trying to fulfill the other's obligations in
life are hilarious. The production is fast-paced and, in the final
end, love wins out.
Hal Linden is wonderful as the
sarcastic, but lovable Jewish Grandfather (I would have loved to see more
of him). Scrappy Yvette Cason is super as the brash Angel; Walton and
Cardillo are a perfect pair; Megan Sikora, as Melody's best friend
Nanette, is very spicy, while the entire cast, Tim Bagley (Dr. Hurtz,
Others), Monette Magrath (Victoria, others), and Soibelman add to the
frivolity of this rather unusual comedy.
Under My Skin plays Tuesdays
through Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 4 PM and 8 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM
and 7 PM through October 7, 2012, at The Pasadena Playhouse, located at 39
South El Molino Avenue in Pasadena. Tickets are available by calling (626)
356-7529, by visiting The Pasadena Playhouse, or online at
www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.
Rush tickets may be purchased at The Playhouse Box Office one hour prior
to the performance time but are subject to availability.
Comments? Write to us at:
Letters@ReviewPlays.Com
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