Latest production offers clever scene changes, energy and laughs
By Lucie K. Scheuer for the Rogue Valley Times
If you’re going to produce a slapstick-style comedy from another era, you’re going to run the risk of running into sight gags, innuendo and plot twists that are sometimes all too familiar.
To this reviewer’s relief, however, “Bullshot Crummond,” the latest production from Collaborative Theatre Project (CTP), has all the aforementioned, but delights with a multi-faceted cast that possesses a knack for expressing classic British humor. It is often laugh-out-loud funny. Does it go too far at times? Maybe, but that’s what British comedy does.
“Bullshot Crummond” was written in 1974 by a group of writers and actors, based on an idea by Ronald E. House and Diz White, who were parodying a 20th century series of British crime mystery novels about a fictional character named Bulldog Drummond. Drummond was also popularized as a recurring character in films in the 1920s and ‘30s by actors Ronald Coleman and Ray Milland.
Like his sort-of namesake, Bulldog, Bullshot Crummond is a dispirited World War I veteran and aristocrat who seeks adventure, courts danger and solves crimes. A cross between Dudley Do-Right and Inspector Clouseau, Bullshot is full of himself, sizes up situations that don’t always make sense, and is pursued by a dastardly German villain named Otto. Otto’s partner in crime is Lenya, nimbly portrayed by Janeen McGinnis.
Crummond is played with all his silliness and swagger by none other than Cole Song, who, over the last couple of seasons, has established himself as a major player for CTP. He demonstrates just the right amount of goofiness and bravado (wait ‘til you see the scene with the dynamite) to become the deductively accurate but decidedly unwary Bullshot.
The story begins with two German spies parachuting into the British countryside, intent upon kidnapping a Professor Rupert Fenton and stealing the formula he has invented for creating synthetic diamonds. The plan is to flood the international diamond market with fakes.
The story begins with two German spies parachuting into the British countryside, intent upon kidnapping a Professor Rupert Fenton and stealing the formula he has invented for creating synthetic diamonds. The plan is to flood the international diamond market with fakes.
The daughter of Professor Fenton, Rosemary, appealingly played by Aija Cohen Davis, writes to Crummond asking for help to find her father and the search is on.
Russell Lloyd is another CTP player who has emerged front and center, with great timing and gusto. As the German Otto, he skulks around the stage engaging the audience and eliciting laughs. In one amusing scene, he plays two characters, Otto and Salvadore Scalicio, having a conversation. Move over, Marx Brothers!
Speaking of whom, Shayne LeQuieu’s timing and jocular dexterity also dazzle as he masterfully dissolves from one character into another in the blink of an eye. He can all-at-once be Bullshot’s pal, then Professor Fenton, or a one-armed Scotland Yard Inspector.
Geoff Ridden helps us all keep things straight as the announcer. His dialect coaching is positively evident with the actors’ interpretations, although Cole Song’s pronunciation could be clearer.
Director Tyler Jack Ward Lemons says in the program that he grew up with Britcoms such as “Keeping Up Appearances” and “Fawlty Towers.” His enthusiasm is evident in this production.
The costumes by Siana Keishon are 1920s-‘30s de rigueur. Some of the hard drops, though left over from “Twelfth Night,” work well in this production, to which Stephen A. DuMouchel and Samuel Zimmerman contributed. The props take on a life of their own, initiating and completing some really funny scenes, as does Brendon Harry’s sound design and Aaron Young’s lighting.
The one scene that doesn’t ring true is one in which Crummond engages in some impressive sword play with evil Otto, the outcome of which is far-fetched and probably wouldn’t happen.
There are better-written spoofs (with a scene or two redacted, kids might have enjoyed it too); but you won’t always get the kind of clever scene changes, energy and laughs you’ll find with this one.
Performances of “Bullshot Crummond” are set for 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Feb. 15, at Collaborative Theatre Project, 555 Medford Center, Medford.
Tickets are $40, $35 for seniors and students. Group rates are available.
Tickets and information are available at ctpmedford.org or by calling the box office at 541-779-1055.
Reach Ashland-based writer Lucie K. Scheuer at [email protected]. This review first appeared in the Rogue Valley Times.
