Perfect Arrangement

Why in the world would anyone be truly surprised by anything Topher writes? Well, it just happens. One is never left un-satisfied from his shows. "Perfect Arrangement" is no exception. Directed by the bright and delightfully talented Barbara Cole-Uterhardt, this twisted story of two couples, an old college fling and working for "the man" leaves the audience on the edge of their seats by the middle of Act I. Granted, the show lasted close to 2 and 1/2 hours - but the time flies! The story tells of two married couples living next door to one another and sharing a door to each other's livingrooms. The husbands are really married to each other and the women are really married to each other. The wonderful fake smiles they put on when company is around is so Donna Reed it's sticky-sweet. And absolutely hilarious. But when a college fling enters in the mix and threatens to reveal the "Perfect Arrangement" - oh, that's where everything gets good! Topher's plots are always delicious to watch and heart-felt to learn about. He always mixes romance and humor and serious topics of the gay community into one lump sum. The stakes were high, every player was involved, the characters were real and the audience actually cared about them - it was perfect for any Drama class anywhere in the world! Sound Designers could learn something from Ms. Cole-Uterhardt's mix of old-time commercials during the brief scene changes. The jingles and commercials were just the right touch to catch the audience and keep them in the time of the story. The set was simple and Topher used everything sparingly and necessarily. Norma Baxter, played by Amanda Renee Baker, was divine in her costume changes as was Barbara Grant, played by Amanda Cucher. Props to Costume Designer Jane Kroessig for the gorgeous dresses, jewelry, and making sure the ladies knew how to sit and how to hold those hand-bags! Girls were different back then!

This story really needs to be on Broadway. Or in the West End. Or in Berlin. It needs to be performed around the world. Now, granted, it would shock the heck out of "conservative Middle-Class America" - but maybe they need to be shook up a bit!