Melanie Einbund
In early February SaddleBrooke audiences were treated to the delight and comedy of Comedy Klatch’s first-rate production riddled with humor and a lot of “belly” laughter. And let us not forget the costumes and scenic design. The backdrops for each scene were generated AI images that were projected onto the stage.
Stated on their website thecomedyklatch.com, is their mission statement: “We believe that laugh-out-loud comedy uplifts the spirit, connects communities, and keeps audiences smiling long after the curtain falls.” Indeed, their mission was accomplished.
Act I was a fractured fairy tale, Little Red: Through the Time Warp. Little Red wound up in the 21st century as an adolescent, with hilarious twists and turns as she followed her path to grandmother’s house. Rated R, Act II was a series of skits that included a public health service announcement with Nurse Kravitz and her “Colonettes” who performed back-up choreography while singing the chorus that urged everyone to remember to get a colonoscopy. Their costumes were nurses’ uniforms accessorized with red boas and bejeweled nurses’caps. Senior Dating Game chose a “bachelorette” from the audience.
Having been to rehearsals and witnessing firsthand the development of the production and the collaboration of the cast and crew, I was excited as to how wonderfully and professionally it all came together. As I looked around the room, smiles were rampant, laughter was loud, and attention to the stage was rapt. So, I verified to myself I was not the only one caught up in this setting of talent, laughter, and fun. Cast members worked hard on their roles, gestures, and comedic timing. A fun, caring, and multi-talented group gave performances that showed their dedication and hard work.
Susan Kravitz, the co-founder, director, and lead writer, shared how thrilled she was with their performances in early February. To quote Susan: “All my life I’ve just been a cut-up, exasperating elementary teachers and college professors. I would submit alternate assignments that satirized or spoofed the actual one, and these were so much more fun than fulfilling the assignment. I also got a ‘U’ (unsatisfactory) in conduct in 6th grade. My parents were not amused. As a psychiatric nurse clinician, I would use pranks and humor to help my staff deal with the stress and leave work with most of their worries left behind.”
I am excited to see what future performances will bring! I have insisted that we will see more of the “Colonettes.” Susan and the assistant director Carol Henry want to expand their cast in anticipation of future performances. If you are interested in joining the Comedy Klatch crew, please email Susan at talisman4648@gmail.com.