Cheeky wit, senior moments light up 'Gas and Candles'

Review

It's a sad fact that in some societies, the elderly are largely forgotten. No longer able to contribute financially, these folks are often left behind by society, invisible to passersby.

It may take effort to draw attention to the issue, but it can be done, as proven so beautifully in David Henry Wilson's "Gas and Candles." In his story about a British couple on the brink of disaster, the London-born playwright has gifted the world with a tiny but clear snapshot of the pensioner's lot.

The Gorilla Theatre and Revolve Theatre Company jointly produced Wilson's sweet gem of a play. And what a remarkable testament to collaborative power it was. Under Chris Jackson's sensitive, somewhat mischievous direction, actors Richard Coppinger (Frank), Elizabeth Fendrick (Marlene) and Greg Milton (Constable Howell et al) charmed like the Dickens. Instead of wallowing in a sad truth, this co-production reveled in Wilson's cheeky wit.

Frank and Marlene are so poor that their daily rations amount to one tin of matzo, sausage and weak coffee. Marlene has an optimistic, adaptable view of their situation, but Frank is ready to call it quits.

The world is too awful for this senior couple to manage, and it's not as if anyone would miss them. Frank suggests a joint suicide. But then, as his wife points out, Frank always runs to the oven when the chips are down.

Marlene brainstorms a plan to score food, money and attention: They will stage their own kidnapping. She directs Frank to call police and tell them that Irish gunmen are holding the Martins hostage in their flat. If all goes well, the police will send up lunch and the BBC will grant them their 15 minutes of fame.

The plan seems sound enough, but reality takes unexpected turns, forcing Frank and Marlene to improvise to the point of exhaustion.

Fendrick gave an outstanding and often hilarious performance as the kinetic, quick-thinking Marlene. She reminded me of a scrappy Ruth Gordon in the 1971 cult classic "Harold and Maude." Fendrick excelled at her character's subtle manipulations of Frank, massaging his ego to keep her plan alive.

Coppinger portrayed Frank in an endearing, Eeyore-like fashion. His character's pessimism could have overwhelmed Marlene's humor — so essential to the play's structure — but he didn't allow this to happen. Instead, he acted the perfect foil — pliable yet prone to hysteria, which was funny to watch in contrast to his usual Debbie Downer demeanor.

Milton had a great run alternating from one character to another. His facial expressions did all the quick-change work. One minute he was the laughably intense reporter and a second later, with lip puckering and show of teeth, he became the rabbity upstairs neighbor.

The ending was a bit unsatisfying and abrupt, which was all on the playwright. Overall, though, the production was a welcome senior moment.