In “Play It Again, Sam,” OnStage Playhouse’s current offering, film-lover Allan Felix has this thing about Humphrey Bogart. If only he had some of Bogart’s technique. After his wife leaves him for being boring, Allan is totally insecure about women.
Bogart visits Allan to give him advice and his friends set him up with dates, but Allan is riotously awkward with the opposite sex.
Although most people recognize Woody Allen’s “Play It Again, Sam” in its movie format, the story was originally written for the stage and is ideal for that venue. In its debut in New York, the play was a smash hit and was nominated for three Tony awards.
Shane Roddick Allen is amazing as the main character, Allan Felix, originally played by Woody Allen. (Allen plays Allan in an Allen role?) The actor is self-deprecating, awkward and passionate as the lead actor; his nimbleness in the physical gags is a delight. A standout in his major role in “Coyote on a Fence,” Shane Roddick Allen shows his versatility with this comedic role and takeoff on Woody Allen.
Edgar Diaz-Gutierrez, playing the best friend of Allan, is adroit and personable in his role of Dick Christie. All of the many females are entertaining — from Kelly-Noelle Henry as the wife of Dick, Samantha Schmidt as Allan’s complaining ex-wife, and the numerous women as possible love interests of the desperate Allan. Randy Coull plays Bogey with sly similarities to the film icon.
Charley Miller directs his homage to Woody Allen and film noir with ease and a strong sense of comedy. The cohesive group of actors, with the guidance of the director, provide abundant laughs. The lighting, courtesy of Chad Oakley, clearly shows the transitions between reality and fantasy.
The setting of the late ‘60s is compelling, with the costumes and props authentic to the time, including the records and polyester outfits. A special thanks goes to producer Bob Christiansen, who is bidding farewell to producing with this show.
The last part of the play accelerates in action, gags and laugh-out-loud comedy. “That was fun!” and “They did a great job” were some of the comments registered by the audience after the show. One man stated that he was especially taken with the acting of both the lead and his well-played best friend.
The show runs through Feb. 4th. Pay-in-advance online tickets are $17 (student/senior/military) and $20 (general admission), with group rates available. Pay-at-the-door prices are $20 (student/senior/military) and $23 (general admission). Curtain times are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.
OnStage Playhouse is located on historic Third Avenue in downtown Chula Vista, within walking distance of many restaurants for pre- and post-show dining. Parking is easily available on nearby streets or in several city lots.
OnStage Playhouse is located at 291 Third Ave. Call (619) 422-7787 for information.
