Hilarious slapstick comedy with Stagehouse Theatre’s ‘Scapin”

Vaudeville is alive and kicking in San Diego thanks to Grossmont College’s Stagehouse Theatre production of Bill Irwin and Mark O’Donnell’s “Scapin” (Scu-pan), now playing through Nov. 22.

Adapted from Moliere’s 1671 comedy “Les Fourberies de Scapin”, Scapin revolves around two wealthy, aristocratic young men, Octave (Shane Monaghan) and Leander (Stewart Caprio), who have their hearts set on pretty yet penniless women. In order to avoid their father’s wrath, the two enlist the aid of Scapin (Julie Monroy), a cunning and cleaver servant to help sort out their predicament. Scapin leads the cast of characters through a wild jaunt of exhortation, deception and trickery.

Monroy was great in the title role, playing Scapin as a cross between Groucho Marx and Bugs Bunny. She was obviously enjoying herself, bounding and traipsing across the stage as she delivered her lines with a mischievous grin across her face. Her manic enthusiasm was contagious and had the audience frequently in stitches.

The rest of the cast was excellent as well.

Jinneva Santiesteban as the mute George, who presided over the events atop a giant set of stairs, providing the play’s sound effects, proved that even a role without any lines can still be memorable and enduring.  

Other standouts included Monaghan’s charismatic Octave, Garrett Johnston as the oafish and enduring servant Sylvestre and Brandon Rosenburg as Geronte, father of Leander, whose memorable delivery of the line,“Why did the boy get on the boat?!?” was second to none.

The colorful costume design by Costume Shop Technician Esther Ibanez were expertly chosen with care and the wonderfully, Dr. Seussian sets were top-notch, bringing the vibrant world of Scapin and his cohorts to life.

Overall, the show was witty and clever, over-the-top without going into overkill. The Stagehouse Theatre has lovingly brought vaudeville back to life and nothing says entertainment like a good ‘ol pie in the face.