Ken Ludwig's 1986 comedy (not to be confused with the 2006 musical adaptation) is about much-mistaken identity and begins with the imminent arrival of tenor Tito Merelli (Jonathan Cox) and his feisty wife Maria (Holly Addison-Grocock) at a Cleveland hotel suite in 1934. Tito, known to his many fans as 'Il Stupendo', is booked to sing at a gala fundraiser but due to an overly bold fan, an upset stomach, an irate spouse and an overdose of tranquillisers, things do not go according to plan.
General Manager, Saunders (Tim Nixon) is determined the show must go on (mostly for the money) and hatches a plot for his assistant Max (John Smit) to impersonate the star. After all, in Othello's blackface, wig and costume who will be able to tell?
Chaotic, cringeworthy comedy and doubtful double-entendres quickly ensue, involving everyone from the eager Bellhop (Tom Bastable) to ambitious diva, Diana (Emily Warburton-Brown) finding their way into Tito's hotel suite (and perchance his bed).
The narrative is insubstantial and the innuendo laboured, but the cast perform with a spirit and avidity that this mediocre play probably does not deserve.
There are particularly strong performances from Holly Addison-Grocock as Maria, who shines in her limited scenes and John Smit as Max the impostor.
The plot is so tenuous and lightweight it is in real danger of floating away, but Rickmansworth Players tackle this preposterous farce with vital vigour and much dramatic door-slamming.
Karalyne Chalmers
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