The Catskill Chronicle

Review by Carol Montana

SOUTH FALLSBURG, NY – It isn’t often that an entire play takes place in a bathroom. And it’s even less often that a farce takes place on a stage that has only one door.

These factors notwithstanding, the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop’s current production of Bathroom Humor by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore works, and works well thanks to a marvelous cast and excellent direction by Bunny Woloszczak.

The lack of doors is not a hindrance since entrance and egress are also accomplished, in this case, by utilizing the bathtub and a rather small window, resulting in certain hilarious circumstances.

It’s also hard to reveal much of the plot without giving too much away. But know this: it’s a farce, and the play takes place in the bathroom of a suburban home during a party. A very, very wild party. There are too many goings and comings through the solitary door to count, a few bigger-than-life characters, crazy situations galore, and a laugh just about every 30 seconds. It’s a riot !!!

The story involves catty, whining women, a stuck zipper, extra marital affairs, a pill-popping alcohol induced haze, what has to be the world’s worst Elvis impersonator, and a poor man who keeps getting turned away from the bathroom.

There’s never a dull moment as the cast of eight flies on and off the stage, often in (and sometimes out of)  hysterical costume get-ups. Congratulations to: Marie DuSault as Laura, Heather Strauss as Peg, Ellen Pavloff as Babette, Harold Tighe as the Old Man, Stephen Lavelle as Stu, Albee Bockman as Arthur, Michael Washburn as Sandy and Wayne Kreuscher as “The Big El.” And special mention to costume designer Lucy Smassanow for coming up with costumes strong enough to take all the punishment they’re given.

The show contains some adult situations that may not be appropriate for young children.

Bathroom Humor plays now through October 10 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the door at the Rivoli Theatre on Main Street in South Fallsburg. $15 for adults, $12 for seniors (60+) and $7 for students with a valid Student ID. The SCDW offers a Friday Night Specials, in an effort to make live theatre more accessible, for those unable to afford regular ticket prices, attend any Friday performance, set your own price and pay what you can.  436-5336 or 434-7232 or www.scdw.net.

To see more photos or to purchase prints from “Bathroom Humor” at the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop, visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.