The Arctic Playhouse has long been a gem of Rhode Island’s theater scene, and their latest production, Keep On Laughing, is a testament to the venue’s knack for blending humor with heart. Director W. Richard Johnson’s treatment of Paul Elliott’s play creates a “comfort-comedy,” delivering a freshness that keeps the evening from slipping into the predictable. This sequel to Exit Laughing brings back the zany ladies we fell in love with, now navigating even more outrageous circumstances. The result, reminiscent of “The Golden Girls,” is a laugh-out-loud look at judgment in a landscape colored with love and understanding.
According to Arctic Playhouse, the play picks up where its predecessor left off, with Connie, Leona, and Millie still as exuberantly chaotic as ever. This time though, the stakes are higher. Connie’s daughter, Rachel, has married her 28-year-old stripper boyfriend, Bobby, and the couple is expecting twins. The premise alone sets the stage for hilarity, but it’s the chemistry between the cast of six and their impeccable comedic timing that truly elevate the script.
The three friends return to Alabama after touring France, and one of their adventures has gotten out of hand. Level-headed Connie has met Michel, a charming Parisian, and he’s proposed to her. Everyone should be happy, but Rachel and Bobby are not, as Connie’s new boyfriend is nearly half her age. The familiar is here — the girls’ night out gone mad and the zany southern ladies’ world-travelling tales. Arctic Playhouse’s staging allows that familiarity to breathe as they discover the fun you can have looking at life in new ways.
Lynda DiStefano, as Leona, is a comedic powerhouse, delivering one-liners with razor-sharp precision. Her physical comedy is equally impressive, eliciting laughter effortlessly. Sharon Johnson, as Millie, brings a sweetness to the group dynamic, her innocent naivety serving as the perfect foil to Leona’s brashness. Or as she says, “I do stupid with dignity!” Michel, portrayed by Graham Stokes, utilizes a convincing French accent while wooing Connie toward marriage.
Karen Gail Kessler, as Connie, anchors the chaos with a performance that balances humor and vulnerability. Her scenes with daughter Rachel — dramatically played with charm and wit by Bailey BH Venditelli — are particularly moving, highlighting the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship with authenticity and warmth. Interesting to note, Rachel and Bobby — who gives us a wee tease of his pre-married life moves — are married in real life, with Austin Venditelli portraying Bobby.
This isn’t the only husband and wife team in the production, however. “Millie” is married to Director Johnson. He says, “The opportunity to direct my wife, Sharon, is beautiful. Sharon is not only a wonderful human being, but she sets the bar high for everyone around her — in her professionalism, her humor and her joie de vivre! You bring Millie to life beautifully, but better, you bring me to life every day.”
Director Johnson deserves kudos for keeping the pacing tight and the energy consistent throughout. The transitions between scenes are seamless, and the comedic beats land with precision. The modest set design is charmingly detailed, with warm, homey touches that ground the play’s more absurd moments in a sense of reality, allowing the actors some space to shine, and they do! It’s a perfect backdrop for the whirlwind of emotions that unfold, a cozy space allowing the audience to feel like they’re sitting in Connie’s living room, sharing in the laughter and occasional tears. The production’s technical elements, from lighting to sound design, are understated yet effective, enhancing the storytelling without overshadowing it.
The script is a delightful mix of sharp wit and heartfelt moments rooted in the characters’ relationships and the absurdity of their situations. From the first moments, the pacing flows just right as the cast honors the script’s rhythm with the double-take humor, rapid-fire misunderstandings, wisecracks and tender undercurrents, while also inviting nuance with moments of genuine surprise tucked in between the punchlines. There’s no diluting the delightful chaos the script unleashes.
The three ladies build their comedic chemistry with practiced ease. You respect their long friendship, mid-life reckoning, and sense of family. Rachel and Bobby bring a youthful energy that offsets the older generation’s banter. Particularly effective is the moment when the older ladies reflect on the absurdity of life’s surprises. The spot-on comedic timing pauses and the audience shifts gears, as comedy is a means of illuminating the surprising turns life takes.
The Arctic Playhouse does much with a little, and this show is no exception. Keep On Laughing is a much-needed reminder of the healing power of humor and connection. This production will leave you grinning, maybe even wiping a tear or two. Treat yourself to 90 minutes of non-stop, heart-warming comedy that hits its mark, with an assured ensemble that knows how to deliver.
Arctic Playhouse presents Keep On Laughing through November 16. For more information, visit thearcticplayhouse.com.
Photo (LtoR):
Pictured L to R: Lynda DiStefano, Karen Gail Kessler, Sharon Johnson, Bailey BH Venditelli, Graham Stokes, and Austin Venditelli.