STAGE REVIEWS : ‘The Heirs’ Lacks the British Touch
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Jean Van Tuyle’s mystery-comedy “The Heirs,” at the West End Playhouse, is a fine example of how not to play British comedy.
It’s a cute idea, and the script is shaped well enough, but it’s obviously written by a non-Brit. Noel Coward once admonished an actor playing Coward, “Not so many ‘old boys,’ old boy.” This play has so many “old boys” it would make Colonel Blimp blush.
The cast, and this can be blamed on director Bruce Heighley, gives performances that might be better appreciated in community theater, particularly Liane Schirmer, a sight-gag with her eccentric, twisted movements and rolling eyes, as a spinster.
Only Elin Jenkins--as a society lady down to her last pound--scores; she’s natural, funny and could step without missing a beat into the cast of “Present Laughter,” the level of production she belongs in.
At 7446 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys; Thursdays through Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 5 p.m.; ends July 15. $15; (818) 904-0444.
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