Carine Montbertrand Photo by Al Foote

The action is set in the London living room of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Their maid, Mary, announces their guests, Mr. and Mrs. Martin, who have arrived late. A later arrival is Mary's lover, the Fire Chief. What goes on amongst these six characters defies description, but the cast has one whale of a time playing with language and theatre conventions in ways that actually make me think of Monty Python. Certainly, director Bradford Cover has a great deal to do with how enjoyable the performances are.

I am very impressed with how each actor can deliver such a steady flow of non-sequiturs yet remain in perfect character. Rachel Botchan's housewifely Mrs. Smith utters ignored statements that are often incomprehensible, but they are words that Mrs. Smith would say if she were being nonsensical. Playing against her with a great self-assurance is the peculiarly natural Mr. Smith of Dominic Cuskern. These two characters are in distinct contrast with Anique Clements's prim and bewildered Mrs. Martin, who follows a confused path of memory along with her equally befuddled husband as played by Andy Paterson. Dan Daily's bluff and sometimes childish Fire Chief and the outstanding Carine Montbertrand as Mary, the maid, complete this entertainingly confusing gang of six. There are times when things might be a bit too deliberately surreal, but this cast and the director keep the ball rolling most impressively.

Harry Feiner provides an effectively lit and simple living room set that allows the performers space to face both the audience and each other so that very little is missed, and Jeremy Pitzer's costumes give a good 1950s feel. Additionally, if a sound design can be said to be tongue-in-cheek, PJ Ju is clearly grinning as he supplies increasingly deranged sequences of chimes and frustrating doorbells.

Those who would like to see a good example of well-done absurdist theatre should definitely see this production of The Bald Soprano, where they can enjoy an admirable exercise in theatrical gymnastics. Nevertheless, as with many gymnastic events, a little of it can go a long way for certain people, even as they try to admire it.