A goodhearted, somewhat intrepid, repertory theater in Seattle is struggling to stay afloat. The director, Zorah, swings between quite resourceful to overcome with emotion. Zorah certainly has her hands full with the resident troupe of players. She must accommodate egos and eccentricity and the frantic energy that pervades rehearsals for their current production of A Christmas Carol. One of the cast members used to date her, and reminds her constantly of what they had. Another (Larry) compulsively sneaks changes into classic dramas, that supposedly makes them more socially conscientious. And unrecognizable. Part analyst, part babysitter, part referee and part juggler, Zorah, takes it all on, with enviable composure. Kind of.
In the midst of rehearsals, Zorah learns their theater is on the verge of bankruptcy. Funding they’ve previously counted on, has dried up, and A Christmas Carol has always been the show that nets considerable cash. Larry’s up to his usual subversive tactics, and the last thing they need is to meddle with success. They get wind that a representative of the NEA is coming to evaluate their qualifications for subsidy. In the meantime, a sweet-natured (if unskilled) “actor” shows up, and they mistakenly assume he’s the NEA rep. Undercover. Someone they’d never have cast before, is indulged and pampered, and treated to Zorah’s more “seductive” side.
Playwright Daniel Sullivan (and The Seattle Repertory Theatre) has constructed a comedy from the very plausible premise of a small, desperate, dedicated theatre company, doing everything to keep head above water, and pull the show together by opening night. In a strange way, Inspecting Carol is a kind of loopy valentine to the theatre. Sullivan has rigged a pretty wicked mousetrap, and the lunacy just keeps coming. In the fine tradition of Sir William, no gag is too refined or too squalid. Like an alley cat seeking a scrap of food, catastrophe and mishap are always lurking. With splendid results.
I was fortunate enough to see Inspecting Carol closing weekend, and couldn’t write my column before it did. Like so many productions I’ve seen at Richardson Theatre Center, the performers never lack for impeccable timing, impressive comic chops and shameless audacity. Inspecting Carol was a delight and Richardson Theatre Centre will always welcome you, with chipper smiles and warm hugs.
Inspecting Carol played Richardson Theatre Center from December 3rd-19th, 2021. 518 West Arapaho Road, Suite 113, Richardson, Texas 75080. 972-699-1130. richardsontheatrecentre.net