"A Flea in Her Ear" buzzes with talented campus cast and crew
by Kim Cuneo

Once again the Virginia Wesleyan theater department has proven its serious talent in the latest production, “A Flea in Her Ear,” a humorous play written by George Feydeau. The play had a successful opening night on October 1 in the Hofheimer Theatre.

The play, directed by Bentley Anderson, had a great cast, well done sets and good humor. The first act unfolded the tale about a woman who suspects her husband is cheating on her.

This upper class wife, pleasingly played by Jenifer Zigler, has her friend pen a love letter to her husband from an anonymous woman to meet him at a hotel. Karissa Peckham adds support and personality to the play in her role as the wife’s friend.

The letter is delivered to the

husband, a noble character played by Jonathan Smith. Smith captures the audience with his ability to deliver a fine performance and improvise as well. His character receives support from a friend, played with ease by George Szabad. Another actor who adds support to the play with his polished performance is Will Davis.

Two unique characters worth mentioning are Edouard, played by Kevin Thomas, and a Spaniard, played by Anna Garcia. The former has an unfortunate speech impairment and is dismissed as stupid, evoking sympathy from the audience. Thomas acts his role with just enough amusement and brings laughter to the play. Garcia also brings laughter at her portrayal of a temperamental Spanish man who displays fits of hysteria and rage.

The second act takes place in the hotel, whose manager is played by Tom Duffy, supported by his wife, a role sweetly played by Sarah McQueen.

Some interesting “guests” appear in the hotel: first, a Russian man, played energetically and enthusiastically by Cara King, and second,the manager’s uncle, played by Cameron Ruffin, whose character cannot seem to put down his bottle of gin. These two characters contributed not only a change of pace, but also comic relief.

Despite the quirks of opening night, the cast gave an outstanding performance.