"Russian Roulette/Parisian Poker"

February 28, 2015 — I knew I could depend on theatre KAPOW to lift me from my winter blues. Always original, in "Russian Roulette/Parisian Poker" they give the audience a choice of which three out of six short comedies by Anton Chekhov and Moliere, directed by Matt Cahoon, will be performed. This afternoon, "The Imaginary Cuckold" and "The Flying Doctor," both by 17th Century French playwright Moliere, and "The Reluctant Tragic Hero" by 19th Century Russian playwright Chekhov were drawn from the hat for this afternoon's presentation. The audience was also given a choice of unlikely props. The performances run through Sunday, March 1 at the Stockbridge Theatre at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, New Hampshire.

Carey Cahoon, winner of the New Hampshire Theatre Award for best actress last year, played male roles in both Moliere comedies, supported by a fine cast. In "The Imaginary Cuckold" the versatile but diminutive actress carried a stool around to stand on when conversing with the other actors, all about a foot taller than she is, in this zany comedy of misunderstandings. In "The Flying Doctor," a comedy of deception, Cahoon plays the dual roles of a doctor and his twin brother in a hilarious tour de force. Did I mention both plays also feature some fantastic wigs?

In "The Reluctant Tragic Hero," Peter Josephson, a Seacoast Spotlight Award nominee, gives one of his patented frenzied performances as a man driven nearly suicidal by his boring life and the demands made on him by others. Josephson has impressive energy and comic timing.

The afternoon was a welcome respite from this dreary, seemingly endless winter. A small company featuring exceptional talent and production values, theatre KAPOW's plays range from broad comedy to high drama. Their website is at this link:

http://www.tkapow.com/