Published: January 06, 2007 09:46 pm      

Unlikely situations fill Red Mask stage

Theatergoers have no trouble defining the words “comedy” and “drama,” but “farce” is a bit more difficult to describe.

Sharon Tipsword, a professional actor and drama coach, is familiar with the term. She describes “Flaming Idiots,” the Red Mask Players’ show she’s directing, as just that — a farce.

The play opens Friday and runs for three weekends.

“I cannot resist a farce,” Tipsword said of the genre, which includes broad comedy and ridiculous situations. “(It) brings me out of the woods.

“The older I get, the more I need to laugh,” she added. “I believe that laughter is so important in our lives.”

In “Flaming Idiots,” two slightly disgruntled postal workers open what they hope will be their ticket to success — a gourmet health food restaurant. The play’s title refers to a drink they serve.

The restaurant’s employees and customers bring their own dreams through the doors. The interaction of the eight cast members creates the farce, which Tipsword describes as “believable characters doing unbelievable things.”

The cast heaped praise on Tipsword for the talent and style she brought to the production.

Red Mask newcomer Diane Rew feels in awe of her director.

“I think she’s phenomenal,” the fledgling actress said. “I’m so glad that my first acting experience is with her.”

Rew plays a newspaper reporter who reviews restaurants as part of her beat.

“I admire and respect her theater background,” Rew said. “She wants things done a certain way. She’s very particular. She’s tough.

“But she’s very loving towards us and very funny, too.”

Other cast members agreed with Rew’s assessment.

Wilbur Bolton, who first appeared on the Red Mask stage in 1971, said Tipsword’s direction helped the actors de-velop their characters as real people. He’s cast in “Flaming Idiots” as a mounted police officer, complete with a “horse.”

“Farce can be very broad,” Bolton said. “Sharon has us play our characters as if this was a drama, not a farce. The au-dience will pull for the characters, hope that each finds what it is they truly want.”

John Dowers, another Red Mask veteran, carefully selects the shows he auditions for.

“I wouldn’t usually do a winter show,” he said, “because of the time the rehearsals take during the holidays.

“But when I read the script and saw that Sharon was director, I knew I was interested.

“I’ve acted with her, and she directed me in another show. Being in something she’s directing is like being in a class-room.

“I love my part,” added Dowers, a Commercial-News employee, who plays one of the restaurant owners.

“The amazing thing about working with Sharon is that she wants things honestly funny,” he said. “It’s not a matter of the quick line and the quick laugh. The humor is in the interaction.”

That’s exactly the result Tipsword wanted.

“I’ve seen farce played almost clown-like,” she said. “I’ve told the actors to put their hearts and souls into this.

“Each of these characters wants something, whether it’s money or to be rescued or for others to hear an inner voice. With this group of actors, the audience will want everyone to win.”

Julia Megan Sullivan, a Commercial-News columnist with professional acting credentials, can’t remember when she enjoyed the rehearsal process more. She is cast as the restaurant’s impaired chef, Bernadette.

“We have a good cast led by a good director,” Sullivan said. “Sharon sees things with experienced eyes. When she tells you something doesn’t look right, you trust her — even if it feels right to you.”

Tipsword gives credit to her actors.

“Ninety percent of a good show is the acting,” she said. “This is a great cast who works together so well.”

IF YOU GO

The Red Mask Players will present “Flaming Idiots” Friday through Jan. 14, 19-21 and 26-27 at the Kathryn Randolph Theatre, 601 N. Vermilion St. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m., and Sunday performances begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for those 60 and older and $10 for full-time students. Season memberships are still available.

For more information or tickets, call 442-5858 or visit http://www.redmaskplayers.com.