Theatre review: Mummers' 'Drinking
Habits' is fun to watch
By ALEJANDRO CANO
The Fontana Mummers opened their new season last Friday with
a strong performance of the award-winning play "Drinking Habits,"
a new farce by Tom Smith.
"Drinking Habits" is about a group of nuns who for
years have been secretly making wine in the pressing room of the convent
of the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing.
Rumors of this behavior reach a couple of reporters' ears,
and they immediately begin searching for the truth.
After carefully planning how they will sneak into the convent
to spy on the nuns, Paul (Ramzi Ibrahim) and Sally (Shannon Luster) find
themselves among some of the most deceptive nuns they have ever seen.
Sally pretends to be a transferred nun named Mary Mary while
Paul calls himself Cardinal Blue Jay.
Confusion begins when Mother Superior, played by Elizabeth
Hauff (who also co-directed the production) is alerted that a spy was sent
from Vatican City to monitor each step of each member of the convent.
Thinking that Mary Catherine (Holly Nanning), another recently-arriving
aspiring nun, is the spy, Mother Superior asks Sister Augusta (Cyndie Ortiz)
to follow her every move.
Mary Catherine, who isn't sure about wearing the habit because
was in love with a man, is eager to confess her sin, but she is thus perceived
by Sister Augusta as being the spy.
Meanwhile, Father Chenille (Wayne Garner) thinks that Paul
the reporter is the spy and decides to investigate on his own with the assistance
of George (Gregg Sherwood), the gardener.
George, acting like a priest, begins his investigation report
by talking with Mary Catherine, who thinks he is a real priest. A dilemma
quickly develops. If he tells Mary Catherine about his true identity, he
could persuade her to stop from becoming a nun and marry him, but at the
same time, he would be breaking his promise of helping Father Chenille.
With everyone watching everyone else's behavior, the convent
turns into a deceiving cathedral. Meanwhile, Sister Augusta and Sister Philamena
(Debbi Garner) keep making and selling wine.
"DRINKING HABITS," which is co-directed by Ortiz
and produced by Denis Rodill, touches some interesting issues.
In order to keep the convent open, some of the nuns decide
to produce alcohol, which, ironically, is banned by most religions. In order
to seek for the truth that will lead to major headlines, two reporters have
to lie and impersonate different people, thus breaking ethical, moral and
legal laws.
To escape from personal problems, some of the residents became
nuns, priests, and even Catholic leaders. To avoid being caught, all of
them used deception in a place that is supposed to be sacred, thus committing
sacrilege.
With realistic acting by Ibrahim, Luster, and Hauff; excellent
participation by Ortiz and Debbi Garner; a colorful set design by Sherwood;
and vivid costumes by Jenna Lear, "Drinking Habits" comes alive
to delight the audience and to send a funny but strong message -- the truth
shall set you free.
Will Mother Superior ever find her lost twins? Will Father
Chenille ever find his lost wife? Will Sister Catherine ever find her lost
true love? Will the reporters achieve fame by finding the truth? Attend
the show (while sober) and you'll find out.
"Drinking Habits" can be seen at the Mummers' theater,
8443 Nuevo Avenue, until Aug. 28. Friday and Saturday performances are scheduled
for 8 p.m. while the Sunday matinees start at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are $12 for general admission, $10 for seniors and
students with valid IDs, and $5 for children under 11. For more information,
call (909) 822-4052 or visit www.fontanamummers.com.
Nuns on the run
The Willits News
The audiences are having a heavenly humorous time at Drinking Habits playing through September 23 at the Willits Community Theatre. The opening event, honoring Jane Camp with the Lifetime Service Award, was the beginning of a successful evening that ended in a standing ovation for the cast.
Drinking Habits is a fast-paced wine country farce with plenty of twists and turns. Hold on to your seats or you're likely to get lost. The show plays like a tennis match with eight players on the court. People are continually coming and going in and out of the five doors on the beautiful California Mission-style set throughout the whole show.
This new script by Tom Smith, New Mexico State University Theater assistant professor, has been produced at least three other times in the past year, including the current production. Drinking Habits has won numerous awards and merits, including the Irving Award for Best Play in January 2006. The Irving Award, presented annually by the Eunice Players of Eunice , Louisiana , honors live stage productions of exceptional merit. Smith also won the Robert J. Pickering Award for the play.
"It is positively exhilarating to have so many new faces on stage and even more exciting to see such an array of talent," says WCT producer Stephanie Chatten.
At the center of this zany ride is anchor Ian Stigliani with another solid comedic performance. He is flanked by the "two Jasons", Hansen and Ballard. Both are delightfully entertaining. Newcomers Emmelia King, Jolie L'Amour, Hope Nelson, Laura Schuette and Patricia Willis play the five female characters. Each does a terrific job.
Those in need of a good laugh you can rest assured that's what they'll get with a visit to the WCT production of Drinking Habits. The show is selling well, so purchasing advance tickets is advised.
Remaining performance dates are September 15, 16 and 17, and 21, 22 and 23.
Tickets are on sale at Leaves of Grass Books (459-3744). Credit cards accepted.
Thursday 7 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. performances are $8. Friday and Saturday 8 p.m. performances are $12.
The WCT playhouse is located at 37 West Van Lane .
