Past Reviews

Regional Reviews: Philadelphia

Don't Dress for Dinner
Lantern Theater Company
Review by Rebecca Rendell | Season Schedule

Also see Rebecca's review of Fun Home


Marc LeVasseur and Lee Minora
Photo by Mark Garvin
If you are looking for some light fare to start off the summer, treat yourself to director Kathryn MacMillan's playful production of Don't Dress for Dinner. Playwright Marc Camoletti's delectable bedroom farce is filled with secret romances, mistaken identity, splosh-worthy spills, and just enough naughty jokes to put a blush on the cheeks and a smile on the lips. Some of the jealous husband humor feels a bit dated, but thanks to a very funny cast and some excellent timing, this Don't Dress for Dinner is delectable entertainment.

All the action takes place in the cozy country home of Bernard and Jacqueline. Bernard is having his best friend Robert over for the weekend, but Jacqueline and Robert are planning a different sort of visit after hours. Meanwhile, Bernard is setting up a little tryst of his own with the lovely Suzanne. Suzette comes to cook dinner, but ends up right in the proverbial soup. From there the plot twists and turns until pretty much everyone is in hot water.

The ensemble is top notch and they share a remarkable sense of rhythm that makes the split-second timing consistently tight and effortless. Hired cook, turned girlfriend, turned niece (I told you things got complicated) Suzette is played with zeal by the scrumptious Lee Minora. Minora's over the top antics and ample charm are infectious. Meghan Jones' scenic design provides the perfect place for the lovers' seemingly endless antics, and Alison Roberts' lush costumes are simply delicious.

Don't Dress for Dinner is a lighthearted comic romp that will make you laugh out loud and forget about the national crisis du jour. There is nothing profound or especially original about the production at Lantern Theater Company, but that's not really the point. Sometimes a tasty little morsel of comedy is exactly what you need and for that, Don't Dress for Dinner is sure to satisfy.

Don't Dress for Dinner, through June 24, 2018, at Lantern Theater Company on 10th & Ludlow Streets, Philadelphia PA. For tickets visit www.lanterntheater.org or call 215-829-0395.

Cast:
William Zielinski: Bernard
Karen Peakes: Jacqueline
Marc LeVasseur: Robert
Lee Minora: Suzette
Jessica Bedford: Suzanne
Chris Anthony: George

Production Team:
Meghan Jones: Scenic Designer
Alison Roberts: Costume Designer
Shon Causer: Lighting Designer
Damien Figueras: Sound Designer
J. Alex Cordaro: Fight Director
Sara Outing: Props Master
K. O'Rourke: Choreographer
Leonard Kelly: French Dialect Coach
Rebecca Smith: AEA Stage Manager