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Every so often a theater show comes along that makes you want to jump out of your seat and run onto the stage to be a part of the hilarity.

That is the case for Blank Canvas Theatre’s production of “One Man, Two Guvnors,” by Richard Bean.

Related Articles Director of Great Lakes Theater’s ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ became smitten with quirky musical decades ago in New York Director Cleveland Playhouse’s ‘American Mariachi’ excited to share show with Northeast Ohio Based on the 1746 Carlo Goldoni classic comedy “The Servant of Two Masters,” Bean’s version has the rhythm and vibe that one would expect of a riotous British farce. It’s set in 1963 in Brighton, where Frances Henshall is an out-of-work rock musician with an insatiable appetite who winds up working for two guvnors with their own secrets. The first is Rachel Crabbe, disguised as her murdered, gangster brother, and the second is Stanley Stubbers, who murdered that brother and happens to be in a relationship with Rachel Crabbe. Both are in Brighton, neither one knows the other is there, and neither knows that Henshall is working for the other.

To delve too deeply into the plot would be a disservice to potential audience members. It is more fun to have the storyline reveal itself as it goes along. Plus, the plot is secondary to the madcap antics that are going on onstage and in the house, with a mix of improvisation, carefully planned moments and audience interaction. One highlight is a dinner scene in which Henshall bounces back and forth between guvnors who are behind closed doors. With the help of a frail, old waiter, the slapstick physical comedy is taken to a new level, and the uproarious laughter reaches new heights.

The cast is a topnotch ensemble, and Patrick Ciamacco is at the center of it all. He is so comfortable in both physical comedy and witty delivery, trading jibes with audience members and driving the pacing and overall feel of the show.

All of the other actors have incredible comic timing, as well, working together like a well-oiled machine — and standing out in their own individual performances. Shley Snider is the perfect “straight man” for Ciamacco as Rachel/Roscoe Crabbe, finding the exact balance between the tougher, more threatening Roscoe and the sympathetic, softer Rachel. Adam Harry is charmingly goofy with a funny sarcastic edge to his Stanley Stubbers

Andrew Keller is absolutely hysterical as Alan Dangle, the over-exaggerated actor engaged to the ditzy Pauline Clench, played delightfully by Katie Wells. Lindsay Pier has the strength and sass for the role of the no-nonsense Dolly. Mark Seven, John J. Polk and Dave Moody — as Charlie “the Duck” Clench, Harry Dangle and Lloyd Boateng, respectively — are engaging and adept at fast talking and mugging, which adds to the highly British cadence of the dialogue.

Curt Arnold’s Gareth is appropriately proper, and he is the perfect sidekick for Noah Hrbek, who is an absolute scene stealer as Alfie the octogenarian waiter whose head-to-toe tremors, shuffling feet and exaggerated pratfalls are side-splittingly funny. The script — full of off-kilter humor, wordplay and innuendo — is entertaining from beginning to end. But the show would not be the same without the truly awesome band the Fishmongers, made up of local musicians/actors Zach Palumbo, Benson Anderson, Jaiden Willis and Bradley Wyner, who’s also the music director.

The band starts rocking out about 15 minutes before the show starts. The score of the show is in a style called “skiffle,” which is a form of British rock with hints of blues and country. The fab foursome sets the entire tone of the show, warming up the crowd as they croon, trade instruments and groove to their own music and make small talk with each other and the crowd. The audience could have watched an entire concert of these guys, whose twangy pitch-perfect harmonies were enhanced by their contagious energy. They pop in and out throughout the show as scenes change and occasionally are joined by cast members for some outstanding numbers. Hey, the more the merrier!

This show is one big party, hosted by director Anne McEvoy, who took all of these complicated pieces and parts and made it look easy. This is a show that is clearly a blast to be a part of — and just as much fun to watch.

The Cleveland theater scene boasts some really wonderful work, and it is important to remember that productions come in all shapes and sizes. If you have not ventured out to theaters such Blank Canvas, The Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, Dobama Theatre in Cleveland Heights, this is a great time to venture out. Add these smaller theaters’ productions to your calendar along with the Playhouse Square season.

Oh, and save room for a snack — Blank Canvas has salt-and-pepper popcorn!

Concludes Sept. 22 through 24 at Black Canvas Theatre, W. 78th St. Suite 211, Cleveland. For tickets, $25, call 440-941-0458 or visit blackcanvastheatre.com.

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