Vijay Dev as Brindsley and Nina Rice as Carol. Photo courtesy of Laurel Mill Playhouse.
If you have ever attended a production at Laurel Mill Playhouse, you probably saw Lori Bruun’s name in the program. Although she occasionally did perform onstage, she primarily worked behind the scenes as Lighting Crew, Stage Manager, Sound Crew, Props, Set Design and Construction and even Assistant Director. Although “Black Comedy” by Peter Shaffer is not her first time as a director, those who have come to know her and her love for the theatre were rooting for her. Well, there was no need to worry, “Black Comedy” is a great production, chock full of laughs and sight gags. The only down side was that it ended and we all wanted more.
…a great production, chock full of laughs and sight gags…The cast is superb.
“Black Comedy” was written by Peter Schaffer who is more known for his very somber “Equus.” Schaeffer was commissioned to write to play to accompany a production of the taut, psychological drama “Miss Julie” by August Strindberg. The plays starred a young Maggie Smith and a young Albert Finney. After some rewrites it later, it opened on its own in London and later with Lynn Redgrave on Broadway in the late 1960s with a companion piece, “White Lies” (later changed to “White Liars.”) As audiences no longer want to spend three hours watching a play or plays, “Black Comedy” is now usually done as a solo piece.
Although I have never seen a production, it is a comedy that has always intrigued me. The premise is there is a blackout. While the lights are on in the apartment onstage, the stage lights are very dim. When the lights go out, the bright stage lights come on, but the performers act as if they are in the darkness of the blackout. It opens in Brindsley’s (Vijay Dev) flat in London where he and his fiancé, Carol (Nina Rice), wait for a visit from her father, The Colonel (Gary Brick), and a very rich art lover, Bamberger (Lenny Dinerman). Brindsley is a sculptor and Bamberger is interested in his work. Suddenly, the lights go out and mayhem ensues as various characters appear in the flat. I don’t want to reveal much more as it would take away from the fun.
The cast is superb. Dev’s eyes seem to be extra wide from dealing with the darkness but also from fear and surprise. He captures Brindley’s likability and is most willing to take a pratfall. Rice also shows great comedic talent as the seemingly sweet Carol.
However, it is the supporting cast that truly triumphs. Dana Fleischer hits the bullseye with her portrayal of the uptight Miss Furnival who seeks refuge from the darkness in Brindsley’s flat As a neighbor, Harold, Nik Henle cleverly reflects the oddities of his character. Jessie Duggan is Clea, a not so old girlfriend of Brindley. For a while, she has to play a character playing another character. She doesn’t miss a chance to get a laugh. Stephen Bruun is the director’s spouse, but he did not get the part due to nepotism. His performance as Schuppanzigh is one the highlights of the production and he is hilarious. Dinerman is only on stage for a short time as Bamberger, but this is also another memorable role due to his performance.
Costume Designer Tatum Moss captures the era perfectly including dress lengths and tie lengths. Andy Mauer’s musical choices also are just right for the mid-1960s. David Chalmers set is clever and allows for many of the sight gags. Bruun’s lighting design worked perfectly for this odd concept.
A physical farce depends so much on coordinated movement and verbal timing. The director’s part in making this successful is pivotal to a fine production. If you miss Bruun’s direction of this wonderful farce, you have missed a night of laughs and much needed escapism. Catch “Black Comedy” before the lights go out on this production.
Running Time: One hour and 30 minutes with no intermission.
“Black Comedy” runs weekends through June 22, 2025 at Laurel Mill Playhouse, 508 Main Street, Laurel, MD 20707. For more information and to purchase tickets, please go online.
