Door-Slamming, Joke-Spamming: Avon Players’ ‘Farce of Habit’ Delivers Non-Stop Laughter!
Avon Players’ production of Farce of Habit is an uproarious triumph, delivering everything you want from a farce: high energy, impeccable timing, and larger-than-life characters. Directed by Jeff Stillman, this play takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride of confusion, miscommunication, and physical comedy, all orchestrated to perfection. With a talented cast and dynamic creative team, this performance proves once again why Avon Players is a staple of the local theater scene here in Michigan.
[Warning: Spoilers from Avon Players’ Farce of Habit are below!]
The core to the humor of Avon Players’ Farce of Habit
From the moment you step into the theater, it’s clear that the production team has worked tirelessly to bring Farce of Habit to life. The set design is vibrant and functional, setting the stage for the whirlwind of action to unfold. Every detail of the set supports the comedic chaos that ensues, with the actors moving in and out of doors, rushing from room to room, and creating a sense of delightful pandemonium. The design creates a perfect backdrop for the rapid-fire pace and physical comedy that defines the show.
The Wilburn family is at the heart of this farce, and the actors portraying them have mastered the art of farcical humor. Wannelle Wilburn, played by Andrea Crowe, is a standout, bringing a fiery and hilariously exaggerated energy to her role. Crowe plays the family’s matriarch with a touch of exasperation and determination that makes her both endearing and utterly entertaining. Alongside her, D. Gene Wilburn, portrayed by Chris Stepnitz, provides the perfect foil. Stepnitz’s deadpan delivery and perfect comedic timing elevate every scene. The chemistry between Crowe and Stepnitz is electric, making them an ideal pair as the central couple caught in the madness.
Avon Players rounds out a humorous show of fantastic actors
Adding to the chaos is Maxie Wilburn Suggs, played by Patty Hagel. Hagel’s performance is a masterclass in physical comedy, and she fully embraces the over-the-top absurdity that farce demands. Every gesture and expression is designed to elicit laughter, and Hagel’s larger-than-life portrayal of Maxie is an absolute joy to watch.
Michael Zois plays Jock McNair, a character who provides some of the most hilarious moments of the show. Zois combines charm and physical humor that perfectly complements the farcical tone. His performance is a delightful mix of earnestness and bumbling, making him a memorable part of the ensemble.
Caroline Dargay’s portrayal of Jenna Sealy Wilburn is a refreshing contrast to the wild antics of the other characters. Dargay brings a sweetness and grounded sensibility to her role, which helps balance out the chaos around her. Her performance is subtle yet sharp, providing a much-needed anchor in the whirlwind of absurdity that swirls around her.
Matt Druminski plays Ty Wilburn, and his portrayal of the well-meaning yet often clueless character adds to the comedy delightfully. His delivery is the perfect complement to the exaggerated antics of the rest of the cast.
Peter Buccilli and Pamela Plewa deliver strong performances as Huddle Fisk and Sister Myrtle Agnes, respectively. Buccilli’s portrayal of Huddle Fisk brings an understated yet deeply funny energy to the show. Plewa’s Sister Myrtle Agnes is another comedic highlight, with her prim and proper exterior often crumbling in the face of the madness that surrounds her. The contrast between her character and the chaotic events happening around her creates some of the show’s funniest moments.
Corene Grillo rounds out the ensemble as Barbara Stratton, a character whose sharp wit provides a delightful edge to the performance. Grillo’s ability to deliver her lines with precision and flair helps elevate the humor, turning even the smallest moments into laugh-out-loud scenes.
Direction and technical work makes Farce of Habit a win for this local theater
Under Jeff Stillman’s direction, the cast’s chemistry is electric. The show moved at a breakneck pace, with each scene building on the last, culminating in a crescendo of slapstick, mistaken identities, and absurd situations. Stillman expertly guided the actors through the show’s physicality while ensuring the humor never faltered. His direction allowed the ensemble to shine, making sure each performer had a moment to dazzle.
In terms of technical aspects, the crew has done an outstanding job supporting the farcical energy of the production. The costumes, designed to match the quirky personalities of the characters, add another layer of humor to the performance, alongside every prop detailed to ensure each joke is complete. The lighting and sound design also helped to heighten the chaotic atmosphere, truly transporting the audience into the story.
Ultimately, Avon Players’ Farce of Habit showcases what community theater can achieve when talented individuals come together to create something unique. The cast is brilliant, the direction is sharp, and the result is a hilarious, heartwarming, and thoroughly enjoyable production. If you’re looking for an evening of pure comedic entertainment, this is one show you won’t want to miss!
Farce of Habit is playing now through January 25th. Tickets are limited, so grab yours today! Have you seen this show before? Let us know on social media @mycosmiccircus or @boxseatbabes or on Bluesky @CosmicCircusBroadway.com!
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