Theatre People Delivers Much Needed Laughter!
- mdellaquila6
- Jun 13
- 3 min read
A review by Marianne Dell'Aquila
Paul Slade Smith's play Theatre People or The Angel Next Door follows a group of artists who gather to adapt a novel for the stage, only to find themselves tangled in ego clashes and escalating misunderstandings. As creative tensions rise, personal relationships complicate the already chaotic process. What unfolds is a fast‑moving comedy about ambition, insecurity, and the beautiful mess of making theatre.
Heiki-Lara Nyce and Darwin Zehr star as married Broadway playwrights Charlotte and Arthur Sanders. Charlotte and Arthur’s relationship quietly shapes the emotional core of the story. Their relationship becomes a lens through which the story examines how the theatre shapes—and distorts—its people. They deliver numerous laughs through their sharp banter and mismatched energy!
Mrs. Nyce's Charlotte is passionate about theatre. This passion is evident even as she tries to keep everything and everyone from falling apart. Her performance is wonderful. She doesn't have to try to be funny, she just IS funny. Ms. Nyce lets her exasperation simmer to the boiling point, and her restraint is comedic brilliance.
Mr. Zehr's Arthur is the most sane person in a cloud of unhinged theatre chaos. He doesn't need punchlines because his expressions are absolutely priceless. His steady tone and subtle reactions lead to some of the funniest moments in the play- a calm voice covering a panicked soul. This unintentional humor shines as his character transitions from beacon of normality to the slow descent into acceptance of the insanity around him.
Christopher DeWitt as lovesick novelist Oliver is sweet and emotional. He is like a pressure cooker with the lid taped down, trying not to explode. Mr. DeWitt plays Ollie as outwardly anxious and helpful, while internally melting like ice cream in a heat wave. The contrast between his polite panic and his internal free fall is hilarious.
Madeleine Braun plays Margot Bell, the talented and impulsive ingenue. Ms. Braun treats every moment as if it is opening night on Broadway with Margot as the star. That earnestness combined with her actual level of internal chaos make her irresistibly endearing. Brad Briddes, as leading man Victor Pratt, is the diva who doesn't know he is a diva. Every contrast between his overinflated ego and reality is hysterical. He takes himself so seriously that the audience can't take him seriously at all. The result is very entertaining.
Olga, the sharp‑tongued, acerbic maid who despises “theatre people” is brought to life by Loretta McGill. Mrs. McGill's performance is a stand out. She is hilarious- not only with her acting but with her physicality. The sharp turns, hovering and leaning in just a little too close are comedic gold. She overhears everything, judges everyone, and steals scenes with her deadpan disdain.
This production’s charm and clarity are a testament to the clear vision and leadership of first-time Director Elda Kulp with the support of Assistant Director Debby Dennis. The staging was crisp, confident, and beautifully timed. Every beat of this show reflects a director who understands both the humor and the heart of the script. Producer/Costumer Deb Takes, tackled both leadership and artistry with ease. Her dual role brought remarkable cohesion to the show—what we saw onstage was clearly guided by someone with both creative insight and organizational mastery. Stage manager Candi Remphrey ensured that everything from cues to communication was expertly executed. The set design by Kent Gerhart, balanced creativity with function, giving the actors a world that felt fully realized and alive. As both lighting and sound designer, Mike Addice created a world where every visual and auditory cue beautifully supported the storytelling on stage. Board operator Matt Mazza smoothly executed each technical moment with focus. Kudos to this production team- they clearly know how to make a comedy land!
This production delivers that unmistakable spark that only live theatre can- a well-told story that leaves you smiling as you leave your seat. Theatre People or The Angel Next Door at DCP Theatre promises to make you laugh. Don't miss it!
Remaining performances at DCP Theatre are June 13, 19-20, 2026 at 7:30 PM and June 14, 20-21, 2026 at 2 PM.
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