Theater Reviews : Twisting Beginning, Shaky End

While Rupert Holmes’ Broadway musical mystery “Drood” (based on Dickens’ unfinished “The Mystery of Edwin Drood”) was having its local debut at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in 1988, the Pasadena Playhouse commissioned Holmes to write a mystery-comedy.

That play, “Accomplice,” was turned out in a few weeks. A burst of clever and very comic inspiration gave Holmes a whale of a first act. Even the seismic plot convulsion that opens Act II works well. But the ending of the play is witness to how a writer’s creative well can run dry under a tight deadline.

The Huntington Beach Playhouse, under Laurie Freed’s tight, insightful and expert direction, is giving the play a worthy revival, informed by high style and buoyant spirit. Freed and her four-member cast are obviously having a ball with the piece.

In Act I, two upper-class British couples almost ricochet off the walls in their frenzy to murder first one husband, then another, then. . . . Suffice it to say that the act ends with an embrace by the two wives, and the line: “One down, one to go.”

Part of the fun of “Accomplice” is listening to unwary audiences during intermission exclaiming over the plot twists and trying to keep one step ahead of the author. “Is it turning into a lesbian play?” was heard during last Sunday’s matinee, among other wild guesses. And that’s exactly what Holmes wants, as he waits with glee to pull the rug out from under the audience almost as soon as the lights go down after intermission. To divulge more would be impolite. The audience is indeed the ultimate accomplice, sworn to secrecy.

The four actors--Ron McCoy, Marcia Bonnitz, Darren Boyett and Teresa Meza--not only know the territory of British farce and the necessity of its intricate timing, but also how to make the required transitions as seamless and effective as they can be. Bonnitz especially is expert as the witty and humorous wife at the core of the skulduggery.

In Jerry Ram and Martin Eckmann’s design, the setting--a stylish British country home--looks as comfortable and expensive as it is supposed to, and Bob Ashby’s necessarily complicated lighting is impressive. Look for secret trapdoors, special effects--and, particularly, for a tender dedication in the program.

* “Accomplice,” Huntington Beach Playhouse, Huntington Beach Library and Cultural Center, 7111 Talbert Ave. at Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach. Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Ends April 2. $12. (714) 375-0696. Running time: 2 hours, 20 minutes.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

Ron McCoy: John/Actor

Marcia Bonnitz: Janet/Marcia

Darren Boyett: Derek/Director

Teresa Meza: Melinda/Harley

A Huntington Beach Playhouse production of Rupert Holmes’ mystery-comedy, produced by Charles Varney, directed by Laurie Freed. Scenic design: Jerry Ram/Martin Eckmann. Lighting design: Bob Ashby. Sound design: Jerry Ram. Costumes: April Jackson. Special effects: Charles Varney. Stage manager: Rosalie Ram.