Katherine Beeson
If you’re a fan of farce or a lover of the links, Sunset Playhouse has teed up just the show for you!
Ken Ludwig’s “A Fox on the Fairway” is light and entertaining. Written in the traditional “farce” style with a nod to 1930s’ classics, his two-dimensional characters are lively and likable.
The Quail Valley Country Club is hosting rival Crouching Squirrel and Racquet Club for its annual golf tournament. Despite losing every year, Quail Valley’s manager makes an outrageous bet with
his counterpart at the Crouching Squirrel. Things quickly go awry when an ace golfer changes teams, replacements present additional challenges and relationships get in the way of everything.
While Ludwig presents no innovative farce plots, director Brian Zelinski adds fresh perspective. Ludwig’s plays often offer a speedy show recap and Zelinski’s take on this is very clever.
The cast of Sunset Playhouse’s “A Fox on the Fairway” includes, from left standing, Mike Owens, Michael Fantry, Sarah Briana Monahan and Jordan Paullin; seated, from left, Tanya Tranberg and Colleen Hart.
This is a true ensemble cast and all six actors are well-suited for their roles. With farce, it’s easy to go over the top, but this talented group keeps everything (almost) believable!
“A Fox on the Fairway” runs at Sunset Playhouse in Elm Grove through February 4.