2004 Year in Review

Timber Lake's Wonders of the World is Delicious!

If this year’s Timber Lake Playhouse performances were an ice cream sundae, then their newest show Wonders of the World was the cherry on top. This year was full of treats, thanks to Artistic Director Brad Lyons and his talented team.

At the beginning of the season if I had chosen only one play to see, it would have been Wonders of the World but then I would have missed Hair and Dearly Departed (two of my favorite plays this season). I love a comedy and TLP rarely disappoints, “Wonders” was no exception.

A very believable and cheerful housewife Sarah Ball as Cass was delicious with her perfect comedic timing. Cass is leaving her husband Kip (played by the very funny and appetizing Evan Enderle) because she has just found out his disgusting deep dark secret. Enderle shows his depth as a performer by making us all laugh as he is bawling his eyes out begging his wife to come back.

The play begins with Cass packing her suitcase in their bedroom and her husband surprises her at lunch. “Suitcase, what suitcase?” she says as she sits on it trying to hide it. Kip is devastated that she is leaving.

On a bus to Niagara Falls, Cass meets Lois (played by the funny and delectable Nicole Mattis), a depressed suicidal alcoholic whose husband has recently left her. “You’re a maniac,” Lois tells the non-stop talking Cass.

“If I had nickel for every time someone has told me that,” Cass replies. But the two of them are like Lucille Ball and Ethel Mertz with a bottle of bourbon.

With an unaccomplished list from before her marriage to Kip (like talk to a complete stranger – “my mom told me never to talk to stranger”, do it with a bellhop, and much more) Cass and Lois get a room and start to see the sights.

Along the way they meet several interesting characters but the real scene-stealer is Amanda Hendrick (star of Voices in the Dark). Watch for her vampiress’ “Blaaa!” at the restaurant. Amanda is an unbelievably versatile actress that played 6 minor rolls some simultaneously.

I was very impressed with the adaptability of the set designed by Amanda Sweger, with very few changes it went from bedroom, to bus, to Niagara Falls, a boat, a helicopter, restaurants…you see what I mean. That also showed the talent of the cast and director to make you believe they were somewhere without a major set change.

The play is laugh out-loud funny and I highly recommend it, although some subject matter may not be suitable for all ages. I took both my teenagers and they loved it as they have the whole season.

TLP’s season is ending soon and I hope you have had a chance to see some of the plays. If not, and you would like to catch next season purchase a 2005 Gold Series for $70 and see all six shows, a savings of $32 off the individual ticket price.

by Barb Benson, theCity1.com
August 15, 2004