Bill Reilly (left) and Matt Merrell are the “Leading Ladies” in Davidson Community Players’ latest show at Duke Family Performance Hall.

By CONNIE FISHER

Broadway playwright Ken Ludwig and the Davidson Community Players have another hit playing on the Davidson College stage. “Leading Ladies,” which Thursday at Duke Family Performance Hall, is one of Ludwig’s most hilarious comedies.

A troupe of eight talented DCP actors keep the audience screaming with laughter for more than two hours delivering Ludwig’s lively comedy, abundant with improbable characters, wacky situations and a smattering of suggestive humor.

It could be easy to believe that Ludwig writes his plays with DCP’s executive director and actor Matt Merrell in mind as a leading character. In reality, it is Merrell who glibly interprets Ludwig’s style with comedic élan. As Jack Gable, an itinerant Shakespearean performer, Merrell weaves his unique talent for precise timing with hysterical facial retorts and manages to plop not only flat on his back during a duel, but falls flat on his face tripping up the stairs—this time in high heels.

Merrell’s role is challenged by Bill Reilly who plays his cohort and Shakespearean adversary as the opportunist Leo Clark who believes he is the greatest actor. Why not? Jack Gable reminds him, “you get good reviews because your write them yourself.” After a 15-year hiatus from the stage, Reilly is a welcome addition to the Davidson boards. He cuts a lithe and suave figure plotting outlandish intrigue trying to obtain a share of a dying woman’s fortune.

There are times when it’s hard to distinguish whether Leo Clark and Jack Gable resemble a couple of hungry blokes or the precise British chaps they claim to be. Their English accents drift back and forth, but then, so do their voices when they attempt to impersonate a couple of long lost nieces who stand to inherit millions. Merrell and Reilly’s performances rival the unforgettable Jack Lemon and Tony Curtis in “Some Like it Hot.” And Merrell undoubtedly could give Michael Douglas a few pointers for “particular” scenes in “Liberace.” Or did Merrell study Douglas’s kissing technique for his role in “Leading Ladies”?

Although Frances Bendert as the vivacious Meg is new to the Davidson stage, she obviously is not new to the theater. Bendert has chalked up experience in numerous productions throughout the Charlotte area. Her graceful and energetic portrayal of Meg is a lively tribute to Ludwig’s script.

The slender, curvy Bendert interprets her role with enthusiasm—the Shakespeare struck Meg who is hungry for excitement, but is doomed to endure a demure, humdrum life-style when she marries Duncan, the conservative minister she is scheduled to marry in a few days. Until she meets the charming Leo Clark.

Curtis Kriner does justice to his portrayal of Duncan, a boring but conniving, hypocritical minister who rightfully suspects the outlandish long-lost, large British cousins who suddenly appear in the wake of their auntie’s demise—and disposition of a large inheritance.

Florence, the dying old lady, is played by Nyra Brannan, a veteran of the Davidson stage. One of the show’s highlights is a tango the supposedly moribund Florence dances with the charming actor-impersonator Leo Clark.

Jim Esposito is well cast in the role of Doc, Florence’s physician and head of the local intolerant Moose lodge. He wiggles a moose ear call to perfection. Doc’s son Butch is played by J. C. Canton who wants to marry the youthful Audrey, played by a well-endowed Olivia Dalzell. Her “charms,” however, fascinate Merrell to such an extent he continually elicits hugs either as Jack Gable or Stephanie, a long-lost previously mute niece.

The set for “Leading Ladies,” designed by Chris Timmons to resemble an elegant 1958 home in York, PA, is gorgeous—all the way to the offstage rear garden. DCP does such a great job with two-story set designs, a clever way to incorporate horizontal and vertical space. The stage hands, who wear different shirts to suit the mood, continually rearrange sets in the dark with quiet efficiency throughout the play, under the direction of Brenda Holcomb and Sean Kimbro.

Much of the credit for Davidson Community Players’ delightful production of “Leading Ladies” goes to director Vito Abate. The versatile Abate manages to incorporate scenes of Shakespeare drama, wacky humor, cultural innuendo, romance, and hilarious impersonations with enough energy to keep the audience in stitches. “Leading Ladies” is good for the soul. It feels wonderful to leave the theater smiling, in a light-hearted, cheerful mood.

WANT TO GO?

Performances of “Leading Ladies” continue Thursday through Saturday, July 25, 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. and closes after the 2 p.m. Sunday matinee on July 28. Tickets may be reserved by calling the Davidson Community Players box office at 704-892-7953 or online at www.DavidsonCommunityPlayers.org.

Bill Reilly as Leo (Left) and Frances Bendert as Meg in Davidson Community Players’ “Leading Ladies.” (John McHugh photo)