In the regional premiere of Steve Martin’s Meteor Shower at the Beck Center, reality flies out the window as humor takes over. Yes, the author is that Steve Martin, so if his comedy style suits you (confession here — I am a fan) then you’ll love the show.
Directed by Scott Spence, this 90-minute, no-intermission comic satire set in the Studio Theatre races from surprise to surprise. What is satirized? Marriage, therapy, the cosmos, mystical thinking, sex — you get the idea — nothing is sacred, but it is all done in such a well-mannered sort of way that when shocking things happen, we are still a bit surprised.
I suspect the less you know about the plot, the more you’ll enjoy the play. So all I’ll reveal is the opening scene — which is a gem. We see the insecure Corky (Lara Mielcarek) having one “pre-drink” drink of white wine after another. Yep, she’s nervous about having company. Among other things, Corky wonders why the guests have sent over three eggplants, which she has carefully arranged in a bowl on the side table. An unusual gift for the hosts for sure.
Her fussy husband Norm (Abraham McNeil Adams) comes home. As it turns out, it was all his idea to invite a senior work friend and his wife to enjoy watching the predicted meteor shower from Norm and Corky’s Ojai mountain home.
When guests, the narcissistic Gerald (Leilani Barrett) and the flirty Laura (Leslie Andrews) arrive everything seems conventional. Yes, the couple is a bit odd — full of chatter, flirtation, and observations — but after all meteor viewing will be the main attraction. But then — well, I promised no spoilers, so I will stop the summary.
The four gifted actors create a believable fantasy world and along the way suggest limits to marriage, therapy and life. Bravo.
Scenic designer Cameron Caley Michalak, lighting and projection designer Tim Chrisman, and sound designer Angie Hayes team up to make meteors and surprises fly. The rotating stage makes skillful use of the theater’s small space. Adding to the effect is costume design by Inda Blatch-Geib. Stage management by Jamie Benetto adds another essential ingredient to the mix.
Bottom Line: Meteor Shower twists truths into comic, cosmic joy and (as it streams across the stage) plenty of fun.
[Written by Laura Kennelly]