By Daniel Carney
I have seen South Stage posters strewn about the school for the past three years, walking by each and every play that was probably an exceptional show.
This year, however, I’m enrolled in a public speaking class, in which it is mandatory that I attend at least one Newton South Stage production each semester to get a passing grade. Always wanting to get ahead of the game, me and my friend Aaron Ewing, also a member of my public speaking class with Ms. Perkinson, decided to venture to South Stage for its “Lucky Stiff” performance.
I had never seen a play at Newton South; as a matter of fact, when I walked in just a tad late from the 7:30 start time, I didn’t even know where the South Stage performance was. After coming across the table and programs, a man led us to the Seasholes auditorium (I had no clue what was the name of that room until I asked a Spanish teacher in the computer lab while writing this).
“The play just started, I’ll lead you to the seats for late people,” said the usher in front of the doors. Not even knowing what the structure or seating chart of this “small auditorium,” (the lab theater) was, I had a feeling we were going to be sitting in what was equivalent to the cheap nosebleeds at TD Garden.
Lo and behold, I was beyond wrong, and the nice man in the suit led us to the first row, right in front of the action. I was in business for my first trip to a South production.
To start the night, I had no idea what the heck a Lucky Stiff was. Was it an object? A person? Something else? It was clear I would have to pay close attention to a musical that I have never come across before.
The first thing I noticed was the awesome set and cool square area right in the middle of the open room, where I thought characters would probably break out in song and move about the platform. There was also an interchangeable house on top of the mounted stage, which allowed for the setting to change in an instant.
I loved the lighting from the start. As the play began, the room fell into utter darkness, and Harry Witherspoon, the main character (whose name would turn into a catchy song later on), had a spotlight on him as he dreamed about a better life.
Now here is the tricky part of this play; someone had to play a dead guy (hence: stiff). That is right! A dead guy! Anthony Hendon, an uncle that Harry had never met, is dead, and has left him a whopping $6 million. No, he isn’t six feet under yet folks; he’s in a wheelchair and has been dressed to appear alive.
Harry (played by Sam Fidler) was ordered by a pre-recorded cassette tape to take the corpse of the elusive Uncle Anthony (another name that would turn into a catchy song later on) on an all-expenses paid “vacation” to Monte Carlo. Kudos to Noah Weisskopf, who played Anthony; he kept a straight face and actually looked like a lifeless body…for the entire time. Give that man a rose!
If Harry was unwilling to embark on this odd journey, the money would go to Anthony’s favorite charity, which was The Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn. Turns out Harry despises dogs (#problems), so he travels to Monte Carlo with his cold uncle, the cassette tape filled with instructions, and a mysterious heart-shaped box.
Meanwhile, this accent-heavy Italian woman named Rita LaPorta (played by Emily Snider) sees her brother, Vinnie Di Ruzzio (played by Aaron Foster), and tells him about how in the newspaper it says that an Englishman has inherited $6 million. Rita, who confesses to having an affair, says she had a lover by the name of Tony Hendon (remember that name?). She pleads to Vinnie that she must go to Monte Carlo to find Harry.
While in Monte Carlo, Harry Witherspoon meets Annabel Glick (played by Sam Adams), who runs the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn. She informs Harry that she will go with them and make sure Tony’s wishes are followed, and if one simple slip up happens, the enormous amount of money will go straight to the dogs.
After reaching Monte Carlo, Rita finds the two at a casino and holds Mr. Witherspoon at gunpoint. Just before Rita shoots Harry and Annabel, Luigi Gaudi (played by Ethan Koss-Smith), or so we think, walks into the room and claims he is the real Uncle Anthony.
By the end of the play, Anthony reveals that the six million dollars in diamonds is actually sewn inside his corpse. The heart-shaped box, which Rita believed the money was in, only contains the heart of the dead Luigi.
The dead, motionless man is not who who we once think he is, as Rita reveals that it is not her lover. He, the real Uncle Anthony. explains that his best friend Luigi was shot and killed by Rita, and Harry was only sent so his friend could experience Monte Carlo one more time.
Rita, now furious that she has been played the whole time, points the gun at Harry and Annabel once more. After leaving with Tony to continue their love affair, Tony and Annabel are left alone inside a closet they were backed into. Harry locks the door of the hotel room to protect them from any more unwelcome intruders. Harry, who persuades Annabel to stay with him in Monte Carlo, kisses her as the curtain falls
The actors all contributed so well to the plot, and each and every one portrayed such passion in their lines, signing, and everything else that came in the action-packed play. It was truly an amazing show. South Stage has a recurring watcher in me!
