‘Unnecessary Farce’ delivers laughs

WASILLA — At the beginning of Unnecessary Farce, Nate Nicholls boldly proclaims that, “Unnecessary Farce is the best VPA performance of the season — even if you count the season’s remaining shows.”

I am confident his claim is true. Unnecessary Farce is a superb comedy following the misadventures of two cops who have enlisted the aid of an accountant in order to trap an embezzling mayor. Geared towards a more mature audience, Unnecessary Farce is sure to have its audience rolling with laughter.

Unnecessary Farce begins quickly, with two cops (Max Talbert and Mariah Schachle) setting up video recording equipment in a hotel room in order to catch an embezzling mayor (Kevin Cochran). This is the first operation for both of the cops, and they are on edge. After a number of missteps, the cops get everything set up and prepare to record the mayor’s confession.

However, the mayor shows up early, causing even more confusion. Almost immediately afterwards, things get even more complicated as the mayor’s bodyguard (Ted Carney) and a mafia hit man (Nate Nicholls) arrive. The ensuing play is guaranteed to keep one laughing for the duration of the show.

DJ Rotach does an excellent job as director. His skillfully designed play proceeds smoothly throughout all the hilarious antics of the cast.

Nate Nicholls plays “Todd,” the hit man. The difference between him and a normal hit man is that he is Scottish, wears a kilt (only when he is killing people) and plays the bagpipes. He does an excellent job engaging the audience and personifying his role — especially when his Scottish burr gets incomprehensibly thick.

The cops, “Eric” and “Billie” do an excellent job bungling their job in every way possible and then some.

Ted Carney plays the bodyguard, “Agent Frank”. He does an excellent job portraying the inept and bungling sidekick, contributing to a fair share of the laughs.

Andrea Talbert does an excellent job playing the accountant, “Karen Brown.”

These actors all have strong performances and create one of the funniest plays so far in the VPA season.

The play was designed well, using good costumes, sets, and lighting, which only built up the play. Charlie Blaeholder and Jack Foster did an excellent job building a sturdy and durable set, as the actors spend the entire play slamming doors and crashing into walls. The costumes are outstanding, ranging from a wide variety of unique underwear to a Scottish kilt.

Unnecessary Farce continues through March 1, playing at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays at the Fred and Sara Machetanz Theatre, 251 W. Swanson Avenue, in Wasilla.

Tickets are $19 for adults and $17 for children and seniors. For tickets, visit valleyperformingarts.org, or call 373-0195.