A View from the Cliff: “Fools” is wise choice at “Heights”

Leon is in love with Sylvie. In fact she’s the prettiest girl in town. Too bad there’s a curse on the entire village. It’s bound to interfere with their blossoming romance. The pair’s repeated attempts at happiness are very, very funny. Yes, Neil Simon’s farce, “Fools” is on stage at the John Bourne Theater, presented by the Heights Players.

The comedy is arguably one of the playwright’s less successful projects. It closed in a month back in the early 1980s. However, the current cast skillfully plunges into the one-liners, silly slapstick, improbable premises and wild punch lines with energy, sincerity and skill.

Director James Martinelli focuses on the comedy’s essence. He says, “I have discovered that in moments of great absurdity, moments of great poignancy can occur…”  Judging by the audience’s approving laughter and applause, his goal was achieved.

Utilizing minimal sets, it’s the characters’ costumes (Joyce Ellman, designer) and exaggerated mannerisms that underline the farcical events and dialogue.

There’s befuddled Dr. Zubritsky (Thomas J. Kane) and his exuberantly clueless wife Lenya (Valerie O’Hara) who are the hilarious backbone of the story. Then, their daughter Sophia (Sylvie Hartley) captivates newly arrived schoolteacher Leon (Terry Ellison) with her striking beauty, vulnerability and naive but amazingly accurate observations.

Clearly Leon is to be admired for his honesty, determination and cunning. He is determined to unravel the town’s ancient curse and marry his one true love. Well done indeed!

Other simpletons in this 19th century Russian village are equally enthusiastic and just as unwavering as they navigate their lives. They try so hard despite the bizarre curse of foolishness that has engulfed their village.

Snetsky the Shepherd (Michael Janove) can’t remember his first name. Yenchna the Vendor (Ellen Eckelmann) is sure her flowery wares are whitefish. Evil Count Gregor (Robert Aloi) is too darn nice to be detested.  The Postman (Kevin Paul Bain), the Butcher (Susan Bucci) and the Magistrate (Ed Healy) fulfill their daily roles with clueless gusto.

A wonderful dance ensemble (Miriam Bird, Nathalie Darvas, Eileen Mislove, Denise Rinaldo, Maxine Schulof, Jennifer J. Sewall and Annmarie Sherlock) punctuates the evening with bright smiles and effervescent choreography. Bravo to one and all!

For information on this and future productions call 718-237-2752 or surf to www.heightsplayers.org. As always, save me a seat on the aisle.