Theater Reviews : ‘Pope’ Is All Work, No Fun

Joao Bethencourt’s comedy has one of those titles that is self-explanatory, but which also builds some big expectations: “The Day They Kidnaped the Pope.” Sounds like fun, but it had better pay off.

Perhaps this is the first indicator that the would-be farce was not a wise choice for San Clemente Community Theatre. At the company’s Cabrillo Playhouse, it is quickly apparent that we’ll have to lower our expectations, and then some, if we’re going to have any fun with this show. Yet it is just as apparent that the actors are not having any fun. That’s the paradox with playing comedy: It is hard work indeed, but you have to enjoy it at the same time.

The hard work is so much more evident here than the enjoyment that it’s no wonder that this “Pope” elicits almost no laughs. Of course, a clearly under-prepared cast will get the same kind of result, and director Erica Guerra’s actors look and sound like they were sent into the jungle without a map. Long after you stop caring about the comedy, you feel sorry for these volunteer thespians.

Their assignment isn’t easy. New York cabby Sam (Lou Wasser) has kidnaped Pope Albert IV (C. T. Collins)--not because he hates Catholics, but because he wants to make a deal. The Pope will be released if the United Nations agrees to an international “Peace Day,” in which the people of the world would cease murder and violence for 24 hours. As comedy plots go, this is a monster for actors.

Actually, Bethencourt’s plot recalls a lot of goofy ‘60s comedies, from “The President’s Analyst” to “The Glass Bottom Boat,” which relished in nutty implausibilities played out by equally nutty and gifted comic actors.

Film director Frank Tashlin, with his taste for live-action cartoons played by adults, might have made something out of “Pope.” You actually might have believed that Pope Albert would settle into Sam’s household and not want to leave, just as you might have believed that the U.S. Army might invade Sam’s house to rescue the pontiff.

Guerra’s actors, though, cannot even remember their lines, let alone take us into such a kooky world. Bethencourt’s farce is played here at about 15 m.p.h. when it should be racing at about 90. Dozens of uncomfortable pauses, with actors trying to remember lines, bring the antics to a screeching halt.

In his all-white garb, Collins could be mistaken on the street for the Pope, but he has no vocal delivery. Wasser has only begun to explore Sam’s working-class frustrations. Jeanne Hardwegg misses nearly all the comic potential of Sam’s exasperated wife. As, respectively, a rabbi and a cardinal, Bob Haig and Bill Reed are unfortunately hesitant.

With a consciously ridiculous comedy like this one, you can’t hesitate. You go all out. Anything less is a long night.

* “The Day They Kidnaped the Pope,” Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Ends April 22. $10. (714) 492-0465. Running time: 1 hour, 45 minutes.

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Lou Wasser: Sam

C. T. Collins: Pope Albert IV

Jeanne Hardwegg: Sara

Jessica Holley: Iris

Bob Haig Rabbi: Meyer

Bill Reed: Cardinal O’Hara

A San Clemente Community Theatre production of Joao Bethencourt’s comedy. Directed by Erica Guerra. Set: Ron Lance. Sound: Jeff Haddad.