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Niagara Falls

Reviewed by Lovell Estell III

Theatre of NOTE

Through March 28

RECOMMENDED:

After checking into their chic honeymoon suite at Niagara Falls, newlyweds Avery (Alina Phelan), and Jack (John Colella) are enjoying the view and chatting about the cheery prospect of a life together, interrupted only by an impromptu visit by the inn’s loony concierge, Linda (the uproariously funny Kathy Deitch). But alas, nothing about love is certain, and the cheery atmosphere gradually succumbs to Avery’s nagging doubts about their fast-paced nuptials and an eerie feeling about a stain on the floor that’s shaped like a dead body (picture one of those chalk outlines seen on police shows.)

Playwright Steve Yockey has penned a jewel of play that slickly juggles elements of mystery, romance, comedy and drama. The plot takes some surprising turns, and the stain leads to surprising revelations as well as unleashing a carousel of memorable characters. But what’s really fun and about this play is that you never know where things are headed, and the ride getting there never runs short of shades of light and dark. It also places in sharp relief the prickly question about whether or not Cupid always knows what he’s doing.

Director Ryan Bergmann’s clever staging includes creating some nifty sound effects with his ensemble. Tristan Jeffers has designed a handsome wood set (floor and panel), consisting of interlocking V shaped slats. Cast performances are top-flight, with Garret Maggart doing an especially fine turn as Bale, an overly wise Carny pitchman. Matthew Brian Denman furnishes a sturdy, yet subtle lighting schema.

Theatre of NOTE, 1517 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hlywd.; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm.; Sun., 7 p.m.; through March 28. (323) 856-8611, www.theatreofnote.com