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Theater review: Jobsite's 'Butler' puts an accent on comedy
Pritchard Photography
Mrs. Prentice (Caroline Jett, left), Dr. Prentice (David M. Jenkins) and Geraldine Barclay (Katie Castonguay) form a farcical threesome in Jobsite Theater's "What the Butler Saw."
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Published: January 11, 2010
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Jobsite Theater has cut loose with a fun and farcical production of Joe Orton's 1969 play, "What the Butler Saw." With the same madcap madness of a Benny Hill skit, the cast scampered across the stage in a titillating series of scantily clad romps, double entendres and miscommunications. While not a spot-on interpretation of dry British humor, the show had enough rollicking moments — especially during the second half — to make up for the jokes that missed their mark.
Dr. Prentice (David M. Jenkins) is a psychiatrist in need of a secretary. When Geraldine Barclay (Katie Castonguay) applies for the job, the doctor informs her that a thorough physical exam is required in order for her to qualify for the position. She is fortunate to have a "febrile condition of the calves" (i.e., hot legs), because it makes up for her astonishingly poor shorthand skills and suspect intelligence. Her dim wit, however, may be a temporary symptom of grief (though it's doubtful), for she has just lost her stepmother in an explosion involving a statue of Winston Churchill.
Unexpectedly, Mrs. Prentice (Caroline Jett) bursts into Dr. Prentice's office. Never mind the naked chippie hiding behind the curtains; the doctor's wife has bigger fish to fry. A hotel bellboy (Dayton Sinkia) tried to rape her in a linen closet, and now he's blackmailing her into securing him another job. What a coincidence: There's an opening at her husband's practice.
What begins as a teensy unprofessional transgression turns into depraved escapades involving another psychiatrist (Ward Smith), a police sergeant (Michael C. McGreevy), antidepressants, ladies' footwear and an appendage belonging to the former British prime minister.
Katrina Stevenson directed this enjoyable outrage against the sexes, politics and mental health practitioners. Best in show here was Jett, who would make the perfect stand-in for an "Ab Fab" tippler. She was so saturated with prop alcohol, it's a wonder she didn't require a bag and catheter to make it through the second act. But it was worth the risk; Jett proved a top-notch physical comedienne.
Some good lines were lost in bad accents, not to mention digs to the Labour Party, which most Americans wouldn't get anyway. A program insert provided a useful glossary of terms that should be studied in advance to appreciate the Anglo-centric gags, including the show's title. Overall, though, Jobsite has delivered a delightful comedy of errors.
THEATER REVIEW
What the Butler Saw
WHEN: Through Jan. 29; 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday (additional show at 8 p.m. on Jan. 27)
WHERE: David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, Shimberg Playhouse, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa
HOW MUCH: $24.50; call (813) 222-1001 or visit www.tbpac.org
RUNNING TIME: Approximately 105 minutes (with a 15-minute intermission)
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