Returning to the Richmond Hill Players after a seven year hiatus, director Tom Morrow scores a hole-in-one with RHP’s current production of Ken Ludwig’s Fox on the Fairway and has teed up a 24 carat cast that delivers a double eagle of a show. Morrow states in his program notes that he has wanted to direct this script for a long time and choosing this gem for his return is a tournament triumph.
Wikipedia summarizes the play as “a comedy…that premiered in 2010. It's a fast-paced farce set at a private country club, revolving around a golf tournament with a large wager at stake, mistaken identities, and romantic entanglements. The play is known for its slapstick humor and classic farce elements, reminiscent of the Marx Brothers.” Amen! It is lightning fast with clever dialogue and hilariously veiled double entendres.
The action takes place in the tap room of the Quail Valley Country Club where owner, Bingham, has just employed Justin who has just proposed to his girlfriend Louise. Bingham is hot to win the tournament after a humiliating string of losses, and to recoup money he’s lost to rival, Crouching Squirrel Golf & Racquet Club’s, owner Dickie. Hilarity ensues once you mix in another outrageous wager that includes Bingham’s wife, Muriel’s antique shop, and collusion by Dickie’s ex-wife, Pamela, who pairs up with Bingham to rig the tournament.
Morrow has designed one of the better sets I’ve seen at RHP’s in-the-round performing space that largely keeps the action front and center. Minimal action is lost to sections of the audience while, at the same time, he keeps the blocking from becoming stagnant.
This phenomenal ensemble cast includes: David Shaffer as Justin, Sarah Carrington as Louise, David Beeson as Dickie, Samuel Carrington as Bingham, Jessica Moore as Pamela, and Jackie Patterson as Muriel. The stage rapport of this cast was palpable and gold medal worthy. Beeson and Sam Carrington have big, big personalities that stand up to each other and it is only emphasized by their difference in height.
So, jump into a golf cart and “putt, putt” your way out to Geneseo to take in this riotous show…you won’t need a mulligan.
And, one other thing, there are some mildly salty references in the show so RHP recommends it is suitable for those over the age of 13.
Fox on the Fairway continues at Richmond Hill Players Barn Theatre in Geneseo, Thursday through Saturday, July 17 through 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 20 at 3:00 p.m.
I’m Chris Hicks…break a leg.