Play Review: 'If the Shoe Fits' opens tonight

Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail The Community Council on the Performing Arts will close out their current season with "If the Shoe Fits," featuring performances by Jane Ann Hancock, left, Mike Bessey, Bobbie Lou Barber, and Ken Jones, far right. The farce, directed by Christie Hargrove and written by Matt Thompson, Matt Chiorini and Dana Vermette, will be presented at 8 p.m., June 24, 25 and 26, with a matinee at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 27, at the Fox Playhouse, 110 S. Main St., Nevada.

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Special to the Daily Mail

The Nevada area is in for a treat this weekend as the new CCPA production, "if the Shoe Fits", is presented in the Fox Playhouse, 110 S. Main Street.

From the minute the spotlights play on two giant red high-heeled pumps on either side of the stage until the surprise ending, the audience will either be in suspense, laughing, or awed by the talents of the actors who bring this farce to life.

Each of the four actors has a busy and physical role to play with very few "time outs." But each does a superb job of portraying his or her character.

Jane Ann Hancock was on stage through almost all of the two acts of the play. Her outstanding facial expressions, annoying laugh, and realistic characterization in an unrealistic situation made the story move quickly and hilariously.

Her stage husband, Kenny Jones, right before our eyes, becomes the unsuspecting, lovable, but boring, victim of the plot. The audience shares with him in his bewilderment at what was going on -- for most of the play.

Mike Bessey, in the role of a vulnerable shoe salesman, became an expert in switching into different ethnic accents as the plot progressed. The anxiety of the character comes through clearly as he becomes George, the shoe salesman. His frequent costume changes add to the fun of the evening.

Bobbie Lou Barber as Esperanza, the maid, was the fast-talking, fast moving, ball of fire who brings predictable reactions from the two gentlemen.

Although her resumé explains that she teaches English at the Nevada High School and at Crowder College, those in the audience know that she really must be from south of the border.

In addition to the twists in the plot, which keeps us laughing and wondering, the clever dialog added even more. For example, George, the shoe salesman, said that shoes were "the lingerie for the feet." Other references to feet or shoes slip in conversation throughout the performance. We couldn't always hear each remark because of the laughter at what had just happened or been said, despite the fact that the acoustics were great and each character was easily heard. Even if you couldn't hear the exact words that Esperanza was saying, you could certainly follow her meaning.

The fact that these actors are people we see often at school, church, in the stores or doing business around town makes this professional production, done by our own friends, speak highly of the direction ability of Christie Hargrove as well as the talents of the actors.

The hard work of all who are associated with the Community Council for the Performing Arts is well repaid when local audiences can see shows as well done as any you would see in larger cities. And it makes it even more fun when it is someone you know "in real life."

Plan to attend at 8 o'clock tonight, Friday or Saturday, or Sunday afternoon at 2. You might even want to come back the second time to watch for subtle signs of the upcoming surprise ending. And after you enjoy the play, be sure to tell your friends how great it is. This one is too good to miss.

A production needs an audience as well as good actors. That is your role to fill!