‘See How They Run’ a Hilarious Farce

A far more traditional but equally hilarious comedy entertains audiences at the Crossley Theatre. Philip King’s classic “See How They Run” is a textbook example of an English farce. You might expect a 1945 satire of Britain’s middle class to seem arthritic, but director Kristina Lankford and her athletic ensemble energize this post-World War II lunacy with Marx Brothers entrances and exits.

Every farce operates on the premise that mistaken identities require numerous doors. “See How They Run” multiplies this formula into absurd complexities. Reverend Lionel Toop (Thomas Hillmann) has an American wife (Shirley Anne Harrison) whose theatricality irritates busybody Miss Skillon (Janet Raycraft). Both women vie for the perpetually distracted Reverend’s attention.

That’s simple enough. But then the wife’s ex-boyfriend, Corporal Clive Winton (John McDaniel), finds himself wearing the minister’s suit. An unexpected visit by the Bishop of Lax (David Schall), followed by the anticipated arrival of Reverend Arthur Humphrey (Jim Bullock), and everybody’s off and running. Drop in an escaped Russian spy (Alan Johnson), stir in a romantically starved maid (Ellen Treanor), and you’ve baked an English stage-and-silly pie. (Yes, bad puns abound.)

Comedy is difficult, but farce can be impossible. Performers must take the silliness very seriously. A single wink to an audience and farce stumbles into self-parody. Here, the correct perspective is offered during a brief respite: “Whatever you see, pretend you didn’t see. See?”

Happily, there’s never a false step. This production is graced by several fine comic turns, in particular Ellen Treanor’s falsely modest maid. If the plot finally brakes to a halt during a clumsy police investigation, well, as these Brits say, “Don’t bicker, Vicar.”

* “See How They Run,” the Crossley Theatre, 1760 N. Gower St., Hollywood. Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m., Sundays, 2:30 p.m. Ends June 27. $7-$12. (213) 964-3586. Running time: two hours, 30 minutes.