VPA strikes gold with ‘See How They Run’

Valley Performing Arts has stuck gold again with its new production of “See How They Run.” The rowdy play, set in the post-World War II English countryside, is a slapstick comedy sure to keep audience members of all ages in stitches. “See How They Run” isn’t a particularly well-known play, but the talented cast gives a performance that promises to make it memorable for all who see it.

The play owes much of its success to superb casting, most notably Director Vanessa Warner’s selection of Todd Broste as Corporal Clive Winton and Greta Kopperud as Ida. The two characters create a fantastically convincing and memorable dynamic.

Kopperud shines as Ida, a lusty and none-too-demure maid who tries to keep the household under control despite ceaselessly surprising circumstances. Broste brings on the snide remarks while contributing to the general mayhem.

Larry Bottjen and Laura Horning star in the show as Reverend Lionel Toop and his vivacious American wife Penelope. Horning’s performance draws many laughs, and Bottjen gives a hilarious performance.

Cynthia Lee, whose acting talents never cease to amaze, gives a knock-out performance as Miss Skillon, the nosey parishioner whose passion for Reverend Toop and predilection for cooking sherry leave the audience howling with laughter. Lee wows the audience with her every wild move.

After an introduction to the main characters, the audience members are kept on the edge of their seats by a series of unexpected happenings. While the Reverend is called off, his wife is visited by an old friend. Miss Skillon witnesses their reunion and is scandalized all the way to the bottle.

Meanwhile, a Russian spy, played by Nate Nicholls, escapes prison. Later, when Mrs. Toop is visited by her uncle, the Bishop of Lax (played by Dave Nufer), absolute hilarity ensues. To preserve her reputation, the drunken Miss Skillon is shoved into the closet for safekeeping.

Nufer’s Bishop is a crowd-pleaser — his resounding voice, effortless acting, and tongue-in-cheek humor tie the entire show together.

Each act brings more laughs, more people hiding in the closet, and case after case of mistaken identity. Although the whole show takes place on one set, the audience is transported to the garden, the closet, and various areas of the house by the convincing narrative, skillful acting and fantastic activity of the play.

“See How They Run” is a rambunctious good time. The two-hour show flies by and leaves the audience wishing for another round of the bawdy comedy.

While the show is geared toward a mature audience, with all the running, shouting and falling over, it’s sure to please youngsters as well.

“See How They Run” runs through May 25. It plays at 7 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights, and at 2 p.m. Sundays. Regular admission is $18.50. Student and senior tickets are $16.50.

For more information, contact Valley Performing Arts, 251 W. Swanson Ave., in downtown Wasilla, at 373-0195, or online at valleyperformingarts.org.