Peaches en Regalia is set in Doug's Diner, the archetypical American meeting place.
Each character has a funny monologue that shows their distinct inner workings and then they move right along into a head-on collision in dialogue. Author Steve Lyons’ inventive transition from personal-monologue to relationship-dialogue gives the performance an interesting and novel texture.
Sarah Moser as Peaches is the animated spirit of the play. She is funny, personal, smart, outgoing, fearless and apparently innocent in contrast to Nicole Hammersla’s Joann, who is unsure of herself, self-conscious, nervous, apprehensive, manipulative and erratic.
The two male actors offer a similar set of contrasts. Philip Goleman’s Norman is self-concerned, eager to please, worried about his appearance, clumsy, always rehearsing his next move while Cooper Carlson’s Syd is self-assured, stable, cool under fire, aggressive and politically incorrect.
The combination of the four actors presents a fast-paced experience, very funny, almost slap-stick but with a post-modern twist. The campy overtones and some nice surprises remind you that you are in the theater, which is a pleasant feeling. And the clever script gives the characters plenty of things to throw at each other.
Peaches en Regalia plays at the Stage Werx Theater, 533 Sutter, San Francisco until August 27th, 2011. Just around the corner from Union Square, the area has great of places to eat, drink and be merry.
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