by Annie Bader
SOLANA BEACH, CA Paul Slade Smith’s “The Angel Next Door” brings a fresh spin to comedy theater. Premiering at the North Coast Repertory Theatre, this play within a play offers non-stop laughs and witty commentary on theater itself.
The story of “The Angel Next Door” revolves around married playwrights, Charlotte and Arthur Sanders (Barbara E. Robertson and James Newcomb), beginning with the intimate stage set in a single 1948 Newport, Rhode Island mansion hotel bedroom.
Success for the Sanders in this impromptu bedroom performance is determined by whether they can turn their protégé novelist, Oliver(Taubert Nadalini)’s book into a Broadway hit. After the young man is hit with a harsh wave of reality the couple must find a way to put a twist on the play of their life. Beneath the layers of theatrical complexity, the story at its core is a classic love tale. Watch and see if Oliver can find happiness with Margot (Elinor Gunn), the enchanting singer-actress, and Oliver’s pen pal that the “angel” in his novel is based upon. Charlotte and Arthur Sander’s world is flipped upside down and right side up at least eight times, while their hilarious housekeeper Olga (Erin Noel Grennan) is timed perfectly across the two acts.
Paul Slade Smith, known for hits like “Unnecessary Farce” and “The Outsider,” continues his success with “The Angel Next Door.” Smith’s portfolio is known for zany characters and quick pacing, and this play follows suit. This play being Paul Slade Smith’s first time adapting someone else’s work, inspiration was drawn from Ferenc Molnar’s century-old play, “Play At The Castle.” The production includes subtle nods to Molnar’s material, enriching the experience for theater enthusiasts.
While the central narrative of uniting Oliver and Margot scarcely feels stretched over two acts in the two hour showing, the chemistry between Charlotte and Arthur, portrayed by the immensely talented Robertson and Newcomb, stays consistent in keeping the audience entertained. Their affectionate banter and scheming adds depth to their romantic subplot, harmoniously accompanied by comedic gold, Olga, and her own path of self discovery as a theater misanthropist.
David Ellenstein, the director, deserves recognition for his role in guiding the ensemble cast for the evening showings. Visual elements of the production were handled by a talented team–Marty Burnett’s set design paints an immersive hotel interior, while Elisa Benzoni’s period-accurate costumes adds depth to the characters. Matthew Novotny’s dawn and dusk lighting, Peter Herman’s wigs, Cindy Rumley’s props, Peter Herman’s hair and wig designs, and Ian Scott’s sound design all contributed to the production’s success.
The crowd at my Wednesday evening showing clearly loved the play. If you’re lucky enough to catch “The Angel Next Door” before it’s transferred to the Laguna Playhouse, make sure to take note of Margot’s initial outfit; an eye-catching and *completely* impractical nightgown.
“The Angel Next Door” is more than a witty, feel good comedy; it offers a clever take on theater culture and the chance to watch an elaborate story unfold. With its relentless humor and astute commentary, it’s a production that will keep you pondering long after the curtain falls. Don’t miss this fantastic North Coast Repertory production running until Sunday, October 8th.
7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. 8 p.m. Fridays. 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays. 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 8 at:
North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach
Tickets: $49-$74
Buy Tickets at: northcoastrep.org
NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE
The North Coast Repertory Theatre, a non-profit in Solana Beach, has grown into a leading performing arts organization over 40 years. It features an award-winning mainstage season for 40,000+ patrons, engages in education programs, and supports local talent with diverse productions, gaining critical acclaim and awards.
