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Through the looking glass: ‘A Flea in her Ear’

If you’re looking for slapstick comedy this is the play for you

March 8, 2010
by Genevieve Jerome | Print Features Editor

A young girl in a risqué maid’s outfit walks out to greet the audience and tells us to turn our cell phones off and be quiet. This is the introduction of “A Flea in Her Ear”.

“A Flea in Her Ear” is about mistaken identities and jealous lovers who think their partners are sleeping with each other. Set in the 1900s this play is sure to please with raunchy positions, physical comedy and loud, slamming doors. City College’s presentation of “A Flea in Her Ear” is enjoyable, yet needs some work on the actor’s chops, comedic timing and sets.

The young maid Eugenie played by Breanna Reilly in the introduction was so soft spoken that a person standing next to her would not be able to hear her. Any professional theatre actor knows, in order to be good on stage, one has to be loud on stage.

Next, Etienne, Mr. Chandebise’s butler starts screaming for his wife Antoinette. Although Etienne, played by Brent Bianchini, is loud enough to fill the black box theater, his accent ricochets between an American accent or an old English one.

Dr. Finache played by Blair Leatherwood was sadly disappointing. Although he had his moments, Leatherwood spoke so fast I thought he was going to pass out from exhaustion on stage.

Camille, played by Anthony M. Person, brings the show to light with his hilarious and impressive vocals. Person wakes up the audience with his loud vocals, abrupt acting and brings energy to the other actors immediately.

Lucienne, played by Maria Ryken, has an adorable face, which matches her charming, innocent personality. Lucienne is best friends with Raymonde played by Sara Hanson.

Hanson plays Raymonde to the tee being the hilarious, gutsy, busty wife of Mr. Chandebise played by Gregory S. Hanson. With her loud vocals and astounding stage presence, she is the picture of clarity.

Gregory S. Hanson does an amazing job playing Mr. Chandebise as well as Poche, a lovable, slow, silly sidekick who gets intertwined in the mistaken love affair mess. Gregory S. Hanson had astonishing facial expressions on stage, brilliant composure and implausible body movements.

I would not bring the little ones to this show, nor do I feel they have the right to charge $15 for tickets. I do recommend it for the laughs and 1900s commentary. Be warned, though, it is three hours long.