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‘Cactus Flower’ entertaining farce
Kim Johnson - Thu, Aug, 21, 2008
Theatre Knoxville’s performance of the late Abe Burrows’ comedy “Cactus Flower” will leave theater fans hungering for its next production.
The farce, which played on Broadway for years before being adapted for the big screen in 1969 by I.A.L. Diamond, revolves around the lives of confirmed bachelor Dr. Julian Winston and his wild-child girlfriend, Toni Simmons.
Julian, played flawlessly by veteran theater actor Rocky Remine, thinks he has found the perfect way to keep his relationship with Toni exciting while discouraging any thoughts of marriage. He told her he is already married.
Remine is a natural theater actor. He has been seen on stage in New York, London and New Jersey as well as on television soap “The Guiding Light.”
The free-spirited Toni, played by Theatre Knoxville newcomer and Bearden resident Jenna Purdy, respects him for his “honesty.”
Purdy was hilarious as the 21-year-old mistress of the older, more sophisticated doctor and made her character endearing in her efforts to ensure the welfare of the non-existent Mrs. Winston.
Relationship dynamics quickly become twisted as Julian, believing Toni has committed suicide over a broken date, rushes to her apartment to find her suicide attempt was botched by her well meaning and very handsome neighbor, Igor Sullivan, played by Farragut resident Gregory Knox, who also makes his Theatre Knoxville debut with “Cactus Flower.”
Although Knox is relatively new to theater, his portrayal of Igor was quite good. He was believable without being over the top.
Overcome with emotion at the thought of losing Toni, Julian proposes … and the fun begins.
Krisha Newport plays Dr. Winston’s nurse, whom he coerces into pretending to be his wife to ease Toni’s guilt over breaking up his family.
Director Robert Hahn could not have cast the part better if Ingrid Bergman herself, who played the part in the movie, was in contention for the part.
Newport transitioned seamlessly from the uptight, sexually frustrated nurse with an unrequited crush on the doctor to the unhappy Mrs. Winston to the newly confident independent woman with a score to settle.
Newport’s résumé includes work as an entertainer for Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, and her experience shows in her performance.
“Cactus Flower” was her first Theatre Knoxville project and the group would do well to keep her.
The show will run through Sunday, Aug. 24, with showtimes beginning at 8 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays and 3 p.m., Sundays at Theatre Knoxville, 315 Gay St. Ticket prices are $20 for evening shows and $15 for matinees.
To purchase tickets in advance go to www.theatreknoxville.com.
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