Silly, sexy and sensational

By Linda Maehans – TB Source

Smarty Pants, by playwrights Shelley Hoffman and Stephen Sparks, is one of the best produc- tions I’ve seen on a Magnus stage. It’s that simple: this is a wonderful show.

Perhaps even more special for Thunder Bay audiences, it’s a world premiere; but I suspect that won’t matter much once our bums are comfy-cozy in our seats and the lights go down. In fact, I guarantee it won’t.

From the first moment we realise we’re holding our breath. Slightly. There’s a break-in happening. By the time all three of our intrepid cat-burglars have turned on the lights and, shall we say, made them- selves at home, our breath is instead getting released as giggles and snorts, or downright belly- laughs. The chemistry among this trio might only be eclipsed by the lines they are speaking: kudos for the tight script packed with hilar- ious colloquialisms and delightful surprises. Now, back to the cat- burglars.

Actors Amy Sellors, Nicola-Dawn Brook and Melanie Janzen cannot possibly be any others than who they are in Smarty Pants. Linda, Trudy and Gail. Sure, in the story- line Linda’s the “ring-leader”; here, with typical prowess Sellors doesn’t disappoint; no, not in the least. Yet as the on-stage antics begin to swirl-and-twirl, quite liter- ally, we are witness to the “rise” of Linda’s life-long girlfriends stepping onto their own podiums- of-comedic-perfection with poise and grace. Okay, maybe “grace” isn’t the word I want. I’m not certain there are words best to describe each woman’s nuanced timing: of expression, body language and (seeming) effortless energy. Alone, or pinging off the other two.

Oh, and one more thing: the authenticity. With Gail and Trudy and Linda it’s as though we’ve known them all our lives. Or wish we did. Again, simple: and so much fun.

Partway through the burglary (no, not giving anything away) of course the unsuspecting home- owner returns. Again we are holding our breath. Slightly. We even feel a tinge sad, crestfallen, for him. But geez-Louise! Not neces- sary. Surprise, surprise: playwright Stephen Sparks might just have the most appropriate surname this side of a pinball game, or a brand of women’s lingerie. Acting as Rob, hapless hero, comes as natural to Sparks as a sleep-walker making his way across a narrow ledge with nary a wobble or wiggle. Try not to grin as you picture that.

More praise, believe me it’s unavoidable for this show, goes to set-and-lighting designers Kara Pankiw and Rebecca Miller. In fact, yes in fact, the set is worth looking at (and wishing we lived in it) long before the lights go down. As for the lighting, and timing, etc. – suffice to say at certain moments you’ll have to catch your breath (from laughing) so you can appre- ciate the choreography happening before your very eyes.

Smarty Pants is the kind of production we all want and need these days. A big burst of sunny fun. Quick and clever shenanigans with innocent human folly at the core. And warm feelings audiences can bring home with them, long after the curtain closes. Guaranteed.

Saugeen Times

Once again, Bruce County Playhouse has struck comedy gold with its latest production of ‘Smarty Pants’. The fast-paced production by Shelley Hoffman and Stephen Sparks, with its clever dialogue and physical comedy, is a laugh a minute show about middle-aged friendship between three women, and how to make friends with your ex!