'Love's A Luxury' Is A Hit Not To Be Missed
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This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from April 1973.
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Along with Pentwick to this retreat comes Bentley (name connoting that of a Butler) who is his business associate and companion whose loyalty leads him into some rather uncomfortable situations. The retreat is supposed to supply a housekeeper, presumably an elderly lady. Instead of this assumed situation, out comes a most attractive parlour maid. Though both Pentwick and Bentley (particularly Bentley), find her extremely young, attractive and capable, she is not suitable to the situation which brought them to this retreat. To a jealous wife, this would certainly add fuel to the fire. However, Molly the Maid remains onands sooncaught upin the intrigue.
Camping not far from the retreat is a doddering old man who has obviously led a most celibate life. He becomes involved in the situation merely by coming over to borrow a "brown" egg (which he gets, but promptly forgets to take with him).
In comes the beautiful, sophisticated and worldly damsel who is a friend of the distraught husband. She could hardly be called a "remedy" for this situation which is that the husband only wants the return of his wife. The son suddenly arrives to announce that he has succeeded in convincing his mother that Dad had not erred and all is forgiven and Mother is on her way to the retreat. Needless to say upon her arrival confusion reigns. The camper meets two Mrs. Pentwicks, the sophisticated Lady and son are suddenly "married", Bentley disappears as a man, re-appears as a woman in the form of the elderly housekeeper. Penny Nicol as Molly gives a very polished performance, good delivery and in complete control of herself and every situation. Adding to the spice of her performance is the brevity of her costume.
The leading role of Charles Pentwick is played by Keith Ball whose interpretation goes somewhat overboard and borders on hysteria. Appreciably he is that of a distraught husband, but a toning down during some of his scenes would add to the success of his performance. His scenes as Inspector of the "ABCID", are however handled with complete assurance and credibility.
If awards were to be given, Nick Press would run away with two awards-that of the "female" and also for stepping in at the last moment (becoming a habit Nick?) and mastering these situations so well. (Nick also stepped in at the last moment to play an important role in "The Rainmaker"). His appearance in drag (in female's clothes) was beautifully handled - not really trying to be too much of a woman, but still convincingly enough to fool a "not so easily fooled woman" i.e. Mrs. Pentwick.
Mr. Mole - the "character" of the play is portrayed by Mr. Roderick Donaldson whose interest and enthusiasm is to be commended. He is not afraid to be laughed at - that is his aim to make the audience laugh-which he does, but his method of gaining laughs is too much of a "slap-stick" comedian. His "open-mouthed" approach to Mr. Mole borders on the feebleminded. Kathy Burns, playing the role of the worldly and beautiful woman (Fritzi Villiers) cuts a beautiful figure (and face) across the stage. She is quite sure of herself as far as lines and movements are concerned, but lacks motivation or a clear understanding of acting a role.
It was a very pleasant surprise to see our fellow Caymanian taking part on the stage. The Society has often been criticized for being full of "ex-pats" - (even limiting them to being of one origin). This production should indicate the Society's willingness to have anyone in the group - anyone with the ability, time and interest. Charles Glidden (as Dick Pentwick) did an admirable job and is to be congratulated. Jessie Novak (playing the role of Mrs. Pentwick), neither looked the part nor played it as a mother of a young man. Some attempt should have been made to "mature" her both in wardrobe and in make-up. She played the part more of an adolescent ratherthan that of a See LOVE'S A LUXURY P. 25
