Review

The character of Judith Bliss (Donna Turmer) brings parental embarrassment to a transcendent level in Noel Coward’s hilarious British comedy Hay Fever, now playing at the Altarena Playhouse.

The audience is immediately placed in the living room of the Bliss family to observe the quirks and unwavering dramatics that define Bliss familial relations.

Sorel Bliss (Hannah Ward) laments the abnormality of the family, which can be traced to Judith’s previous acting career and her characteristic tendency to embellish every whim so that she always seems acting out a Greek tragedy.

But it is the abandonment of social correctness by every member of the family that serves as the foundation for humor throughout the play.

As Fredrick L. Chacon quotes Coward in his director’s note, “To begin with, it has no plot at all, and remarkably little action. Its general effectiveness therefore depends upon expert technique from each and every member of the cast.”

Thus, theatrical triumph is determined by the actor’s comedic agility and their ability to mold themselves to the part.

Each family member discovers the others have secretly invited guests down for the weekend. The natural chemistry of all the actors together onstage is unparalleled. Snorts of laugher heard throughout the audience become inevitable during the ‘game scene.’

The most striking chemistry often involves Turner and her interactions with other cast members, whether she is intimately flirting or inciting another character into a fit of hysterics.

While the wit of Coward’s dialogue could save almost any actor, all of the performers embody the spirit of their characters practically flawlessly.

Seagrave never gives her brow a rest in her constant state of confusion and perfects the mannerisms of the reticent individual. In the all-too-confident Myra Arundel, Lisa Price exemplifies the snobbery often associated with high-class refinement.

The show finds its epitome in the unwavering performance of Rae Gaeta, who plays the role of Clara, the maid, impeccably.

While props and settings are simple, the actors capture the energy of the 1920s in style, making any audience member want to revert to the days of evening attire and tuxedos for family dinners and nights in.

Hay Fever runs through Aug. 9 every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. with matinee performances on Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at www.altarena.org or 523-1553. General admission is $20 and tickets for students (under 18) and seniors (62 and up) are priced at $17. The Altarena Playhouse is located at 1409 High St.