By David Seaman | Echo
Taylor's latest production, "The Servant of Two Masters," is unlike anything Taylor Theatre has done before. Wacky, absurd and delightfully metaphysical, "The Servant of Two Masters" is a play with little in the way of themes-but much in the way of laughs.
"The Servant of Two Masters" is a "commedia dell'arte," an Italian Renaissance theater style that dates to the 16th century. Originally written by playwright Carlo Goldoni in 1743, the play was revised in 1999 for a Milwaukee production. The new adaptation provides a whole new self-referential aspect, making the play rife with meta-humor.
The protagonist, Truffaldino, is always hungry, whether it be for food, money or love. When the mysterious Federigo Rasponi seemingly returns from the dead, Truffaldino takes advantage of the situation to become his servant. But when Florindo, who has a connection to Federigo, comes to town, Truffaldino decides to add to the confusion by becoming his servant as well. Now Truffaldino must keep up appearances by serving two masters who do not know the other exists. Meanwhile, in between the chaos, a clueless braggart named Silvio must compete for the affections of the naive Clarice.
According to director Terrance Volden, "commedia" reshaped theater and influenced the stories and actors of generations to follow. The simple plot and stock characters created an enjoyable and fun environment that all audiences can enjoy, combining lowbrow and highbrow humor (though mostly lowbrow here). Commedia troupes traveled around providing improvised stories on makeshift stages to anyone willing to have a good time.
"The Servant of Two Masters" certainly is a good time. The laughs are a mile a minute, while slapstick humor and bad puns are used to great effect in their snappy delivery. The set is no "Cherry Orchard," but it's not supposed to be. Made completely of found and recycled items, it recalls the makeshift sets of old comedy troupes.
The production gleefully moves in and out of the play. Some of the best parts of the play come from the increasingly random scene transitions-whether these come in the form of human puppetry, or bagpipes or even Irish dancing. In between these transitions and the play itself come completely unnecessary exposition to the audience; there's even a wooden sign for it. The cast treats the audience like idiots, and instead of feeling pretentious, it's hilarious.
A production like this lives or dies at the hand of the acting talent. If the cast is not funny, the whole play suffers. Luckily the best of the theater department is on display here. While all the characters are stock, showing just one or two emotions, each cast member gives their player a memorable spin.
Senior Stephen Newhall plays Truffaldino, a total wise guy who always delivers sly quips to the audience. Sophomore Carter Perry, in a complete reversal from his role as a manipulative servant in "Cherry Orchard," goes crazy with the role of innkeeper Brighella, putting on a hilarious accent reminiscent of the Gingerbread Man in "Shrek." Sophomore Morgan Turner handles herself well in her role as Beatrice/Federigo, and sophomore Meghan Sulka is a delight as the feisty maidservant.
The rest of the cast is a hoot as well, but it's hard to top freshman Sean Sele's performance as Pantalone. His hilarious caricature of the old man and use of physical comedy make a funny play even better.
"The Servant of Two Masters" is no thoughtful masterpiece. It doesn't need to be. It was, and is, specifically designed to entertain audiences. This is pure comedic entertainment, non-stop jokes with quick comic timing. The humor only seems forced in a couple of places. While everything feels wacky and seems like it could fall apart at any moment, the professionalism of the production keeps it together. "Servant" may have little educational value, but it sure is "fricandeau."
"The Servant of Two Masters" will run this weekend only, with performances at 8 p.m and midnight tonight and 8 p.m. tomorrow, along with a matinee at 2 p.m. this Sunday. Tickets cost $7 for Taylor students and $10 for faculty and staff. They can be purchased at the theater box office located in Rupp.
