Constellation Theatre Company is now presenting their latest show, A Flea in Her Ear playing at Source Theater from October 8- November 8. This production, directed by Allison Stockman, is a new version of Georges Feydeau's farce by David Ives.
A Flea in Her Ear takes place in Paris in the 1920's and what gets the ball rolling is a pair of suspenders sent through the mail addressed to Victor Chandebise (Michael Glenn). Raymonde Chandebise, Victor's wife, finds her husband's suspenders in a package sent from a place called The Frisky Puss Hotel. From that point on, it's series after series of mistaken identities, confusion, and crossed wires.
The set, an ornate French house, transforms into the Frisky Puss Hotel with a series of sliding walls and a check-in desk. The multi-leveled set with several doors becomes an overwhelming visual feat as cast members dart back and forth hiding and chasing after one another at the Frisky Puss. With a well written script and the actor's impeccable comedic timing, this play paces itself well and has two strategically placed intermissions.
The Frisky Puss Hotel's managers Ferraillon and Olympia, played by ( Frank Britton and Charlotte Akin) are perfectly cast in this production. The militaristic Ferraillon demands order and the Gypsy-like Olympia flirts with the clients as the two work together to run their sleazy motel frequented by couples having affairs. Luckily they have a dancing maid, an arthritic lookout, and masochistic bellboy to do the dirty work. All of these elements, as you'll discover are the winning combination for complete chaos.
A Flea in Her Ear is full of saucy one-liners, laugh out loud situational comedy, and hilarious slapstick that keeps everyone on their toes. Stand out performances include: Michael Glenn in his dual role which must have served as difficult costume changing challenge; Matt McGloin as the man with no consonants and all vowels who had to be both understood and misunderstood for most of his performance; Baptiste whose painful rheumatism became a side-splitting joke; John Tweel as a jealous Spaniard looking to shoot first and ask questions later; and Ashley Ivey, the doctor "feel good" with a colorful wardrobe and predilection for women's shoes...
So, looking for a good time? Visit the Constellation Theatre Company at Source Theater for a significant farce that will stick to your ribs. For tickets and more information, visit Source's website here, www.sourcedc.org/playing/playing.html.
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