Review: Two’s A Crowd

A delightful thing transpired between the play reading in April at Dana Hills High School and the September debut at Laguna Playhouse of Two’s A Crowd. The original play — co-written by comedian, actress and "splits master" Rita Rudner and her husband Martin Bergman, with the original musical score by Laguna Beach-based singer/songwriter Jason Feddy — had been worked, reworked and reworked some more. The script is laden with clever jokes delivered with sweet, chipper, wry innocence, the trademark of Rita Rudner's style.

The back and forth banter between Rudner's character, Wendy, and Tom, played by the well-casted Davis Gaines, was both believable and humorous. Supporting characters also receive their share of laughs with the endearing Russian housekeeper, the type A room service attendant, and the affable ex-husband, Gus. An unlikely relationship unfolds as Wendy and Tom are forced to share a room in Las Vegas since it was double booked. 

Sharing the limelight is Laguna’s very own Jason Feddy who performs on stage alongside heavyweight musicians, Evan Stone on drums, Alan Deremo on bass and David Witham on the keyboard. Mr. Feddy has written and recorded solo albums of depth and diversity which continue to spark his creative brilliance. Evidently, he has uncovered a new niche in writing scores for musical comedies. The music not only keeps timely pace with the show but completely enhances the production.

The Laguna Playhouse was the birthplace for Two’s A Crowd which was developed between Playhouse Execs, and Rita and husband Martin who also debuted their play Tickled Pink in 2012. They hope to take Two’s A Crowd to NYC to delight audiences there as well.   

I learned that you should never judge a "play reading" by its cover and that productions for stage, especially when written from scratch, are works in progress right up till the opening night. 

Side note: Kudos to the set designers who so meticulously re-created the hotel room which mirrored many modern Las Vegas hotel rooms. 

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About the Author: Lisa Farber is the Publisher and Editor-in-chief of Laguna Beach Vibe — Laguna’s locally-owned arts and entertainment publisher & media services provider. By delivering unique media services to business owners interested in reaching locals and visitors alike, Lisa and her team help businesses rise above the noise. Under Lisa's direction, Laguna Beach Vibe's mission is to inspire people to take full advantage of the variety of arts, entertainment and hospitality options in Laguna Beach.