Last weekend I was once again privileged to be invited by the Anchor to view and review Stage West’s latest production. This time my husband accompanied me, and once we were seated he started looking through the program. I asked him what the play was about and he said: “It’s about us” and then he grinned. Concerned, I grabbed my own program and read an excerpt from the Hamilton Spectator review: “You’ll probably see yourself.” I was starting to feel a little concerned
Written by Michele Riml, Sexy Laundry is Stage West’s one hundred and seventy-fifth production, which is a staggering number! Stage West has had some impressive guest actors over the years, and once again, we are in for a treat. William Moses has a long list of stage, television and movie credits covering the last thirty years – twenty five Perry Mason Movies, for example, or you may remember him from his TV series work, starting with Falcon Crest and Melrose Place. He has also been a guest star in several current television series, such as The Mentalist, CSI, Castle, and too many more to list. Co-star Jane Spidell also has a long list of accomplishments, particularly on the stage, where she has played a wide range of characters; she has also worked in film and television.
Set in a luxury hotel room, this play has only two actors, Henry and Alice Lane, who have been married for twenty-five years. Henry is played by William Moses and Jane Spidell plays his wife Alice. Henry is very content with their lives, but Alice is feeling just a little bit frustrated – she has packed “Sex for Dummies” for their romantic weekend together, along with a few other items of interest! These two could be any of us as they proceed together and separately through a roller coaster of mood and emotion. But it’s fun, too! When it comes to physical comedy, these two nail it, over and over again. Alice wants to dance, Henry finally finds his feet. Alice is tireless and comes up with idea after outfit with her ideas on fulfilling a fantasy or two, while Henry is completely wrung out, reluctant to move forward with her, but he will not be left behind, either! Every now and then I would glance across the table and was gratified to see that my husband was really enjoying this play “about us”! My earlier concern evaporated.
Different this time was the format; the play was about ninety minutes long with no intermission, and the dessert bar remained open after the play concluded, which was very nice, as diners/playgoers could spend some time enjoying a second helping of the fabulous desserts while reliving their favorite parts of the play. For me, of course, another chance at the Florentines was pretty hard to turn down!
Also of note are a few changes to the buffet menu, I particularly enjoyed the red curry chicken and vermicelli salad, and this time around the Sautee and Grill features Asian Duck tacos that looked pretty interesting! The usual favorites are all there, from Baron of Beef to Alaskan Snow Crab Legs, Sushi and Sashimi and an endless selection of salads and hot dishes, seasonal desserts such as Baked Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake and Almond Pumpkin Cake with Cappuccino Cream Cheese Icing – I feel full and just a little bit guilty remembering all of it!
Do not miss this chance at fun and feast! Sexy Laundry runs until November 4, 2012.
