“I still can’t get over how funny it was! Just goes to prove-a show can be clean AND funny!” exclaimed theatre patron, Michelle Willis right after she saw See How They Run at Hale Centre Theatre in the cool downtown area of Gilbert.
Well put! Fast paced, smart and uproarious, this show pleases all with clever lines, hilarious physical comedy, a variety of spot on accents and top talent!
Actors: Justin Howell, Matthew Harris & Alexis Harris Photographer: Nick Woodward-Shaw and Lighting Designer: Jeff A. Davis; Davis Entertainment
Want to laugh? Laugh hard? Want to escape from our crazy world for an afternoon or evening at the theatre? Want to see a comedy that is a bit different from the rest? Audiences laugh hysterically, clap their hands and actually talk to the actors with comments like, “oh no, don’t go in there!” and “look at them run” in the inviting in-the-round stage! Want to experience this great fun, too?
Then run to see See How They Run before the show closes at Hale Centre Theatre on February 10th.
Show after show has been filled with a packed house of delighted patrons who exclaim “this is really good” and “how does she move like a ragdoll like that” and “I haven’t laughed this hard in quite some time”…all true comments that I have heard for myself since I have attended multiple shows. Truly one of the funniest productions I’ve seen!
Actors: Ami Porter, Alexis Harris, Vinny Chavez Photographer: Nick Woodward-Shaw and Lighting Designer: Jeff A. Davis; Davis Entertainment
And all I take to see it, come out smiling and exclaiming just how much good ol’ fashioned fun they had seeing this show. In today’s crazy busy world, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of time for fun. This show provides just that. Entertaining, laugh out loud, nonstop fun!
And take it from a real theatre critic (which I am obviously not, but I try anyway!)…who says this…
“The entire cast are adept at delivering the lunacy and split-second timing the play requires, along with perfectly played facial expressions, double takes, and well delivered punchlines.” says Gil Benbrook, of Talkin’ Broadway. See his entire review here.
The story is set in the 1940s and takes place in a British village. It is a funny farce of mistaken identities and keeps the audience guessing along with the on stage characters of what will happen next. Zany and fun to observe as the tale unfolds with layers of misunderstandings, cover-ups and more…you just have to see it to get it and experience the fun!
Personally, I have seen the show repeatedly because my 16-year-old daughter plays Penelope Toop, a 25-year-old American actress living in London. It is a bit special for me to hear audience members exclaim that they can’t believe that she is only 16 years old!
My Alexis in action as Penelope Toop on stage in See How They Run. Photographer: Nick Woodward-Shaw and Lighting Designer: Jeff A. Davis; Davis Entertainment
It is great fun to watch her have the time of her life acting her heart out with a fab 40s accent and funny physical comedy to boot. So, I am a bit biased. However the many people who fill the audience, who I slyly observe, are completely objective and exclaim that they are loving every minute of this high energy show that takes twists and turns that folks don’t see coming and leave all laughing in the aisles.
Actors Lindsay Hope, Ami Porter, Jacob Goodman and Alexis Harris. Photographer: Nick Woodward-Shaw and Lighting Designer: Jeff A. Davis; Davis Entertainment
Ida the maid (played by Lindsay Hope) has a brilliantly played cockney accent and has moves and lines that bring the house down multiple times. Her facial expressions and physical movements are as endearing as they are hysterical!
Lindsay Hope as Ida, The Maid Photographer: Nick Woodward-Shaw and Lighting Designer: Jeff A. Davis; Davis Entertainment
Lionel (Jacob Goodman) puts a lot of the running in See How They Run and gets lots of laughs with his many antics and side to side swaying of Miss Skillon (Ami Portman), whose ragdoll like physical comedy moves has the audience in stitches.
Jacob Goodman as Reverend Lionel Toop and Ami Porter as Miss Skillon Photographer: Nick Woodward-Shaw and Lighting Designer: Jeff A. Davis; Davis Entertainment
Clive (Vinny Chavez) and Penelope (Alexis Harris) team up to do several hilarious high-speed monologues in unison with well choreographed movements that surprise the audience and have them laughing out loud yet again.
Alexis Harris as Penelope Toop and Vinny Chavez as Corporal Clive Winton Photographer: Nick Woodward-Shaw and Lighting Designer: Jeff A. Davis; Davis Entertainment
The Bishop of Lax (Matthew Harris) and Reverend Arthur Humphrey (Justin Howell) both get numerous belly laughs from the audience with clever lines, perfect timing, physical comedy moves and Howell’s imaginary drink scene…both actors so hilarious!
Matthew Harris as The Bishop of Lax with Lindsay Hope Photographer: Nick Woodward-Shaw and Lighting Designer: Jeff A. Davis; Davis Entertainment
Justin Howell as Reverend Arthur Humphrey Photographer: Nick Woodward-Shaw and Lighting Designer: Jeff A. Davis; Davis Entertainment
The Russian intruder (Chuck Green) livens things up with his sneaky entrance, perfect accent and his evil, but vulnerable, character adds to the fun.
Chuck Green (The Intruder) with Jacob Goodman (Reverend Lionel Toop) Photographer: Nick Woodward-Shaw and Lighting Designer: Jeff A. Davis; Davis Entertainment
And just when you think it couldn’t get any funnier, in comes Sergeant Towers (Eric Mitchell) with a spot on British accent whose quick changing voice inflections are effective and super funny!
Eric Mitchell as Sergeant Towers Photographer: Nick Woodward-Shaw and Lighting Designer: Jeff A. Davis; Davis Entertainment
All brilliantly directed by mutiple award-winning director, Cambrian James! Hale Centre Theatre is a highly reputable family run organization that has been operating for over 60 years. This first-rate professional theatre has a huge following, which is one reason why just about every show has been almost sold out.
Photo by this proud Mama. Love this theatre!
A full house at every performance. The in-the-round stage is charming and truly brings the audience that much closer to the action, storyline and fun!
Photographer: Nick Woodward-Shaw and Lighting Designer: Jeff A. Davis; Davis Entertainment
I truly can’t say enough about this show! The storyline takes you back in time and provides a refreshing 2-hour (with intermission) escape from today’s hectic life and nonstop stressful headlines! There are two weeks left of shows that run Wednesdays through Saturdays at Hale Centre Theatre. The charming venue sits right next door to the delicious and popular Postino Wine Bar and is right across the street from the weekly Farmer’s Market that happens on the weekends. Many other tasty eateries reside right by Hale including Liberty Market, Pomodoro, Zinburger, Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles, Whiskey Row, Barrio Queen and more. A real treat to spend an afternoon or evening out in this area. Get your tickets here and get them quickly as this show continues to book up fast.
Truly run to see See How They Run! I promise you will have great fun, laugh out loud a ton and go home feeling good!
Thanks so much for this very insightful review, Rachel! Alexis is a superbly talented gem and we all love her!
Thank you so much, Chuck! Alexis is having the time of her life! Congrats to you and your fellow cast, director and the See How They Run team! It is fantastic!