[NEohioPAL] Berko review: THE FOREIGNER @ Porthouse

[Roy Berko]

Blossom fireworks enhance laughter at Porthouse’s ‘THE FOREIGNER’

Roy Berko

(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

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Just at the moment when a plot-changing explosion took place during Porthouse 
Theatre’s production of ‘THE FOREIGNER’ on opening night, a giant explosion of 
fireworks let loose following the conclusion of the “1812 Overture” at the 
Blossom Center Pavilion, which shares the grounds with Kent State’s Summer 
Theatre.  The Porthouse audience broke out in thunderous and prolonged applause 
and laughter at the coincidence.  How the cast held straight faces is a wonder, 
but they did, and continued on as if it was a planned occurrence.  

The incident was a fitting conclusion to a hilarious evening of theatre!

Larry Shue’s ‘THE FOREIGNER’ is a comedy.  In spite of a common belief that 
comedy is easy to do, it is one of the most difficult types of theatre to stage 
and perform.  There is a tendency for directors and actors to overdo and milk 
laughs by overacting and adding much farcical goings on.  This usually detracts 
rather than adds to the hilarity.  Good comedy, based on clever lines which are 
presented in well-timed and delivered performances, leads to much more delight 
than overdone mannerisms.  And, believe me, director Rohn Thomas and his well 
primed and talented cast, gets every deserved laugh out of Shue’s script!

‘THE FOREIGNER’ finds the pathologically shy Englishman, Charlie Baker, being 
brought to a resort-style fishing lodge in rural Georgia by Staff Sergeant 
Froggy LeSueur.  In order to protect Charlie,  Froggy concocts a story that 
Charlie is a resident of a “foreign” country and does not understand a word of 
English.  Before long, Charlie finds himself privy to assorted secrets and 
scandals freely discussed in front of him by the other visitors, including 
knowledge of a pregnancy and an attempt by the Ku Klux Klan to get the lodge as 
their meeting hall.  Besides the English duo, the characters include a spoiled 
but introspective heiress, her dim-wit Forest Gump-like brother, her preacher 
fiancé who has a dark underside, a racist county property inspector, and the 
lodge’s owner.

Though the script will not challenge the quality of Shakespeare’s comedies, or 
even the writing of Neil Simon, it did win several Obie Awards and two Outer 
Critics Circle Awards.  Unfortunately, the author, Larry Shue , who incidentally 
acted in the show’s original production, died in a plane crash a year after the 
show opened, not living to see the lasting popularity of his oft-performed 
script.

Eric van Baars, who has a wonderful ability to play comedy, is right on target 
as Charlie.  His timing was impeccable.  Tony Zanoni, as the dim-witted Ellard, 
is nothing short of brilliant.  Paula Duesing is fun as the lodge’s owner and 
Robert Ellis is properly obnoxious as the hate mongering Owen.  Though Amy 
Pawlukiewicz could have been a little more belle-like in order to enhance her 
transition into a “real” person, John Kolibab could have screamed a little less 
as Froggy, and Darren Nash could have developed a more realistic Reverend, the 
over-all effect is just out and out fun.

Ben Needham’s set design, Thomas Kouyeas Jr.’s lighting design, and Jason Potts’ 
sound design all enhance Thomas’s fine directing.

CAPSULE JUDGMENT:   Porthouse’s ‘THE FOREIGNER’ is just out and out fun.  Though 
other audiences won’t get the thrill of hearing the extra added fireworks 
explosions from Porthouse, there is more than enough verbal excitement and glee 
going on to assure patrons of a perfect night of summer-time hysterical 
escapism.

The show runs until July 17 at Porthouse Theatre, on the grounds of Blossom 
Music Center .  For tickets call 330-672-3884 or go online to 
www.porthousetheatre.com.

The season ends with ‘BYE BYE BIRDIE,’ the Elvis goes to the army musical, with 
book by Michael Stewart, lyrics by Lee Adams and music by Charles Strouse, 
running July 22 – August 7. 

New KSU Theatre Building to be dedicated

On Saturday, November 6, Kent State’s new Roe Green Center for the School of 
Theatre and Dance will be dedicated.  The Terri Kent directed ‘BRIGADOON’ will 
be performed.

JOFFREY BALLET at Blossom

Dual treat!  The world famous Joffrey Ballet will perform on stage at Blossom 
Center on September 4 and 5 at 8:30 PM, dancing to the music of the Cleveland 
Orchestra under the baton of Tito Muñoz.  For tickets call216-231-1111 or 
800-686-1141.
 
Roy Berko's blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 
2010, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at 
http://royberko.info
His reviews can also be found on www.coolcleveland.com and NeOHIOpal (to 
subscribe visit http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/neohiopal.)