Theater review: 'Jest a Second!' — Family secrets a rich source of laughter

The Santa Maria Civic Theater packs everything it does best into “Jest A Second!” the final performance of its 2006-2007 season.

In “Jest A Second!” (a sequel to “Beau Jest,” which was performed by the theater in 1994) Sarah and Bob, now expecting their first child, are hosting a birthday party for Sarah’s mother. Her brother, Joel, arrives early to tell Sarah some news about himself and his pediatrician girlfriend, Randy, that he has put off telling anybody.

Bob, knowing that the news will not be well-received by his conservative, Jewish in-laws, pulls out his acting skills in an attempt to keep peace in the family. But, ultimately, Joel is forced to face his parents himself.

Director Carolyn Lori’s production works because of each actor’s ability to relay a character the audience can truly relate to.

Clare Terrill, for example, playing Sarah’s mother, Miriam, has all of the characteristics of a protective, overly-involved and all-knowing mother.

And Bob Larsen, as her husband, Abe, plays the part of the newly-retired mate of his overly-anxious wife perfectly.

Keep your eyes on him while the action happens elsewhere onstage. You’re sure to catch him slowly nodding off in a chair more than once.

Meanwhile the tension between a very pregnant Sarah (played by Angela Hutt Chamberun) and Bob (played by Johannes Beals) who has become a more devout Jew than the rest of the family, despite his being a recent convert, and Joel’s (Mark Brunasso) increasing anxiety over revealing his secret, keep the audience laughing.

“Jest A Second!” showcases the cast’s collective talent for delivering quick, witty dialogue, made even more impressive by the intimacy of the small community theater — there is no room for miscues here — and for keeping an audience enthralled with the live theater unfolding before them.

The Santa Maria Civic Theater’s last production, “Two Rooms,” achieved the same, but within a much more somber context. This is more like the first show of the season, “The Underpants,” which had the audience rolling with laughter throughout.

“Jest A Second!” is a perfect way for the theater to end the season and will surely leave audiences anxious for the 2007-2008 season to start in the fall.

Emily Welly can be reached at 739-2220 or ewelly@santamariatimes.com.

BOX OFFICE:

The Santa Maria Civic Theater will present “Jest A Second!” May 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19. All shows begin at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $12. For information or to reserve tickets, call 922-4442.