“Nurse….Purse….Worse…Hearse…CURSE!!!” Garland Civic Theatre presents ‘Fools’ by Neil Simon which is a light-hearted, comedic play that explores the serious subject of the purpose of man’s existence.
From the opening moments of the play, directed by Kyle McClaran, the fantasy scene is set with an abundance of lush greenery and an open fire which gave the audience a sense of life and beauty. According to McClaran, the mental picture was that of a “fantastical village in Russia.” However, the crisis in the fantasy village of Kulyenchikov is far from beautiful as the wonderfully crafted set design would lead you to believe.
Enter school teacher Leon Tolchinsky who is played by Trey Albright. Tolchinsky is a wide-eyed school teacher who is optimistic and eager to begin his new life in Kulyenchikov after accepting his first full time teaching position. Believing the village is “the perfect place for a new start,” Tolchinsky is ready and willing to pass on his knowledge to the villagers, but the job soon proves to be more daunting than expected.
According to Albright, “He (Tolchinsky) thinks originally that it’s not going to be that difficult, but he has no idea what he is in for. It’s like the Titanic.”
As the title suggests, Tolchinsky has accepted a teaching position in a village that is truly inhabited by fools. Upon his first encounter with the citizens of Kulyenchikov, Leon notices that in this village, up is surely to be recognized as down, and left is more often than not recognized as right. The supporting cast does a wonderful job of filling the theatre with laughter by using nonsensical, backwards dialogue throughout the night.
Not even the town medical expert, Dr. Zubritsky is immune to the foolishness of the village dwellers. Often writing prescriptions for clients with illnesses he cannot remember, Dr. Zubritsky, played by Severt Philleo, helps the new school teacher understand his real mission as the town’s educator. Leon Tolchinsky has been summoned to make the impossible, possible. He must teach the unteachable and break a 200 year curse of foolishness placed upon the village. The catch is that he has 24 hours to do so, or he too will fall under the curse which has run all other teachers away from the village.
His special assignment is Sophia, the young, stunning daughter of Dr. Zubritsky, played by Toni Garner. If he can educate her within the time period, he can save the town and rid it of this curse. With all of the obstacles in his way, Tolchinsky’s mettle as a teacher is tested throughout the play.
“The real journey for him [Tolchinsky] is that he falls in love for the first time,” according to Albright.
In short, his mission quickly moves from being purely about education to one of love from which he learns valuable lessons from the most unlikely sources.
The real brilliance of “Fools” is the human element it takes on. “Fools” does a great job of mixing comedy with questions that the audience undoubtedly will intrinsically explore. The underlying themes of love and dependence on one another truly give credence to the old saying that it takes a village at times to accomplish great things. Through the journey of Tolchinsky and his interaction with the Zubritsky family, the play also explores the ideas of true education, enlightenment and the freedom that knowledge can give.
For anyone who can appreciate having a great laugh coupled with a great lesson about life and self- exploration, “Fools” is a wonderful experience. The use of humorous asides to keep the audience abreast to the action of the play is a strong point of the script. Beautiful scenery and outstanding costume design adds pleasing aesthetics that the entire family can enjoy for a great theatre experience.
The talented cast, in addition to Albright as Leon Tolchinsky, includes Chinazo Onwukaike as Snetsky; Evan Figg as Slovitch; Shane Silagi as Mishkin; Sarah Nichole Thompson as Yenchna; Severt Philleo as Dr. Zubritsky; Tricia Tamayo as Lenya Zubritsky; Tonii Garner as Sophia Zubritsky; and Zahran Anwar as Count Gregor Yousekevitch.
Future Production times of “Fools” by Neil Simon at the Garland Civic Theatre:
8 p.m. Friday and Saturday March 11 and 12
2:30 p.m. Sunday March 13
8 p.m. Friday and Saturday March 18 and 19
8 p.m. Friday and Saturday March 25 and 26
For more information, visit www.garlandcivictheatre.org.