Mistaken identity, a Slavic uncle, crazy customers, bad news from your doctor and a brother who can’t afford to finish law school. What better way to solve all of these problems but to hire a hit man, right?
These are just some of the things that antique shop owner Susan (Cynthia Gerber) faces in the romantic comedy “The Hit,” now playing at the Horton Grand Theatre, where Triple Espresso made it’s home for many years until June 14.
Susan, receiving bad news from her doctor, decides that instead of waiting for the inevitable to happen she will take matters into her own hands. So she calls Uncle Slavo (David Heath) and hires a hitman (Season Duffy) to take her life. In doing so, her brother Steve (Chris Bresky) will receive a handsome insurance check and be able to finish law school at Stanford and will not have to go through taking care of her as her health deteriorates.
Many different customers (Kerry Meads, Paul Maley) and a potential love interest, Sam (Mike Buckley), come in and out of the shop over the course of the two-hour show, rounding out the action that takes place in the little San Francisco antique shop that was left to Susan when her mother died.
“The Hit,” presented by Lamb’s Players Theatre, is a serviceable and entertaining piece of theater that finds most of its humor like most 70’s and 80’s sitcoms did.
There’s nothing new here, but the all the actors involved, with the exception of a few, buy into the material and present it well enough that it is enjoyable.
Gerber is very likeable and appropriately quirky in the role of Susan. Chris Bresky gets to flex his comedic muscles and does so with flare as Chris. The always-dependable David Heath turns in a very funny performance as Uncle Slavo, and Kerry Meads and Paul Maley all but steal the show in the many different roles they are given to play. Buckley is quite charming as Sam and not only acts in the show but also designed the set and wrote the script as well.
Artistic Director Robert Smyth deftly and smoothly directs the show, and San Diegan favorite Jeanne Reith designed costumes.
Audience members were having the time of their lives the night I saw this show and while it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I think it is important to mention that it was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone there.
Today’s economy is keeping all of us from getting out and seeing live theater, films, concerts and many other entertainment-based diversions, forcing many longstanding reputable venues to close without notice.
Help support the arts any way you can; take a date to a show. You’ll be glad you did.
