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Skin Flick tickles all the right places
By Brenda Ann Babinski
I knew it would be good. I mean, come one. Bob McCue directing a play about ordinary people making an adult film? What’s not to love about that?
I arrived at the theatre, sat in my cozy seat, happy to see that most of the other seats were filled (it’s important to support the arts), and expected to be mildly amused, perhaps laugh a little while learning a moral lesson about the rights and wrongs of our life choices.
Boy, was I wrong… in the best possible way.
Skin Flick, a play written by Norm Foster, tells the tale of two Chardonnay sipping empty nesters, Rollie and Daphne Waters. Suddenly employment challenged, they are led through a series of seemingly divinely inspired events to try their hand at producing a porno.
Rollie, played beautifully by seasoned character actor Patrick Baranowski, acts as narrator, breaking through the fourth wall, making the audience his invisible friend. His asides and comments to the audience baffle and confuse his fellow characters. Sweet and loveable Rollie is a man who sports sweater vests and bow ties, old fashioned values and he even censors the colorful language of his cohorts, much to their chagrin and confusion.
His wife, Daphne, played by the talented Tracy McGuire, has a head for business and fearlessly takes on the project of producing the skin flick. Her no nonsense approach and hilarious reactions to the action are a delight.
Rollie’s best friend Alex is an unemployed, beer swigging cameraman. A bit rough around the edges, with a subtle leering quality, Bob Wakulich’s portrayal of Alex is scene stealing and spot on.
The two ‘stars’ of the film are Jill (played by Lisa Aasebo) a wise cracking, out of work actress and Byron (played by Jerrod Bondy) a soft hearted bookie. Jill’s cynical edge perfectly counters Byron’s innocent demeanor and the two create brilliant chemistry together.
The set is designed by Terry Miller, creating the perfect intimate environment, where the audience feels as if they are sitting in the Waters’ living room, just waiting to be served a nice glass of wine. Costumes, designed by Sandy Kay, are delightful, ranging from oversized bow ties and sweater vests, to lounge pajamas and sexy nurse’s outfit.
The scenes run seamlessly, and McCue’s direction manages to bring out the very best in an already hilarious script. Well-crafted and filled with innuendo, double entendre and thinly veiled euphemism, Skin Flick will not make you chuckle politely. Skin Flick will make you guffaw, snort, belly laugh and hold your sides. Kudos to the cast for keeping it together when the audience’s laughter nearly stopped the show.
Yes, I went in expecting mild amusement. I came away with that jubilant energy that only a really great laugh will give you. So much fun in fact, that I intend to see it again.
So if you want to have a great evening of entertainment and laughter, I encourage you to pick up tickets now. Once word gets out, this will sell out fast.
Skin Flick plays at the Studio Stage Door, 11- 11th Ave. S. Cranbrook, May 6 to 9, and 13 to 16, with all show times at 8 p.m.
Get your tickets at Lotus Books.
Photos by Jennifer Inglis
