Sasso's BOYS NEXT DOOR, a delight!

So, you've developed a permanent tic in your right foot from all that toe-tapping down at the Virginia Stage Co. and the never-ending ALWAYS PATSY CLINE nostalgia. CRAZY, man! Or, you just can not get over Miss Slocum's pussy...cat doing the dog-tricks at the Generic. Well, there is retribution, and not in Heaven, my friends, but right smack here at the Actors' Theatre in Pembroke Mall (next door to Dillard's Dept store, thank you very much). With pooper-scooper in hand, we proceed:

THE BOYS NEXT DOOR opened with a cautious response from the audience on Friday night and closed with a standing ovation, well deserved. Perhaps this "cautious" attitude goes back as far as early potty-training when most of us were taught that you, "don't laugh at or poke fun at those less fortunate than yourself|. BUT, the excellent cast, under Sasso's direction, soon disarm us and dispel any concerns of reluctance to laugh at this collection of misfits on stage.

Pedro Abad as ArnoldXat first, appears to be acting, but it soon becomes obvious that this is just Arnold and what a character! His pacing is frenetic and he, along with the only "normal" person on stage, Ian Dewberry as Jack Palmer, keep the show moving. Mr. Dewberry, a close clone of the late Ricky Nelson, is lassoed with the responsibility of a social worker whose job is to supervise, the four retarded men in their communal residence. A despairing job, and played with firm concern and sincerity.

In a show jam-packed with humour and touching moments, one of the most memorable moments is delivered by Kathy Ecobichon as Sheila. In her dimly-lighted world of the handicapped she finds a kind of love with Norman, exquisitely played by Brad Rudacille, and together they amusingly remind us of all the things we take for granted. Ms. Ecobichon has come a long way since her debut as the riotous Miss Skillon in SEE HOW THEY RUN al severiseasons ago. She is well on her way as the areas top character actress.

Corey Simmons as Lucien P. Smith debuts with such honesty and heart-stealing naturalness you can not believe this is just an excellent performance. The same is true of Ryan Waller as Barry. His confrontation with the father he has not seen in nine years is priceless theatre. James DiMunno as his father, cruelly reveals the "other side" of attitudes toward the handicapped.

Joyce Gaus as Mrs. Fremus has been working behind the scenes in regional theatre for 42 years. She comes out of the production closet briefly and delights us with her slightly mature Barbie Doll personality. Veni Fields and Rachel Garsik along with Brandon Dubroc complete the cast with excellent contributions. Their roles are brief, small according to some, but these are not small actors.

THE BOYS NEXT DOOR is not to be missed. It runs through October 12. For reservations call 557-0397 and be sure to go with someone you love, like very much or someone you are trying to understand.

Visions