Theater review: 'The Doctor Despite Himself' at Electric Lodge

Post-commedia antics are the prescribed treatment in “The Doctor Despite Himself” at Electric Lodge. Ipanema Theater Troupe’s wacky take on Molière’s 1666 “Le Médecin malgré lui” is awash in slapstick aplomb.

That is obvious from the pre-show intrusion by woodcutter Sganarelle (Charles Fathy) and bickering Martine (Clara Bellar), his shrewish wife, as we take our seats.

Their Punch-and-Judy combat leads to Martine’s revenge — giving her thick-headed spouse his comeuppance by passing him off as a learned physician. The plan backfires, to put it mildly.

In director Guru Monteiro’s hands, “Doctor” gambols about the black-box setting as though it’s a tony Second City workout. The translation by Bellar and the cast is slight but serviceable, and designer Swinda Reichelt’s costumes must be seen to be believed. Constructed of foam-core and stretchy elements, the outfits merge circus whimsy with a structural extravagance that suggests pet chew toys come to life.

Fathy’s deadpan drollery and Bellar’s amiable hectoring are in the classic style, albeit overextended. Raquel Brussolo gets ample mileage from the statuesque figure and blond locks of her tarty nursemaid to ingenue Lucinde (also Bellar), whose muteness provides Sganarelle’s big test.

She and inamorato Leandre (Brad Schmidt) wear campy color-coordinated cat suits, and Steven Houska’s various authority figures go from loopy to loopier in farcical form and function.

It is not really satirical, apart from a running list of treatments that directly reflects the current health care debate. But the company’s main objective is unassuming silliness. As such, “Doctor” is enjoyable, even if Molière’s wit plays second fiddle to the wardrobe.

— David C. Nichols

 “The Doctor Despite Himself,” Electric Lodge Performance Space, 1416 Electric Ave., Venice. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Ends Nov. 8. $20. (310) 823-0710. Running time: 1 hour, 10 minutes.

Above: (Left to right) Steven Houska, Charles Fathy and Clara Bellar. Photo credit: Angelo Loukas

Comments

[Scarlett Davies]

Loved it! Moliere's funniest!

[D A Cooksey]

This is a MUST SEE! Last nights performance at The Electric Lodge in Venice, California was to a full house of laughter and amazement. This adaptation of a timeless topic - HEALTH CARE was enjoyed by all. The performers including Film/Singing Star - Clara Bellar portrayed in this classic Moliere with a new approach. The real stars of the play were the costumes, designed by SWINDA REICHELT International Master Costume Designer and under the direction of GULU MONTEIRO UCLA Professor. If you want a truly enjoyable evening with the Whole Family - you must see "The Doctor Despite Himself" at The Electric Lodge in Venice, California now playing through November 8th, 2009 - Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 2PM and 7PM. Rated PG for Slapstick Comedy, Clowning Around, and A Little Diarrhea.