‘The Heir Apparent’ promises a laugh

In the 18^th century, Paris, France was the place to be. Full of luxury and excess, the city was the pinnacle of opulence and culture. Yet, despite all this sophistication, theatregoers still loved a good fart joke. Grossmont College’s Stagehouse Theatre brilliantly brings this sumptuous world to life in the hilarious and lively staging of David Ives’ adaptation of Jean-Francois Regnard’s 1708 comedy of manners, “The Heir Apparent.”

In the 18^th century, Paris, France was the place to be. Full of luxury and excess, the city was the pinnacle of opulence and culture. Yet, despite all this sophistication, theatregoers still loved a good fart joke. Grossmont College’s Stagehouse Theatre brilliantly brings this sumptuous world to life in the hilarious and lively staging of David Ives’ adaptation of Jean-Francois Regnard’s 1708 comedy of manners, “The Heir Apparent.”

The play tells the tale of Eraste (Kristian Powers), a young and poor aristocrat who wishes to marry the beautiful Isabelle (Ashley Carter). Yet Isabelle’s domineering mother Madame Argante (Delicia Nieto) will not permit the marriage unless Eraste can prove that he will inherit the estate of his ailing and miserly uncle Geronte (Mohammed Alani), who, as luck would have it, has also fallen for Isabelle. With the help of Geronte’s two servants, Crispin (Sam McCubbin) and Lisette (Frankie McCutcheon), Eraste hatches a crazy plan to impersonate his uncle and guarantee his spot as the sole inheritor in the will. 

“The Heir Apparent” is humorously indecent. It is a farce, albeit a grand one, chock full of toilet humor, far-fetched plotlines, random dance numbers, and pratfalls galore. Much praise must be heaped upon the cast, who give it their all with a particular standout being McCubbin, who steals the show as the wily and scheming Crispin. After seeing him give a brilliantly dramatic performance in last year’s “Bus Stop” it is so nice to see McCubbin branch out and stretch his comedic muscles. Stagehouse has a rising star in him. The rest of the cast is full of outstanding performers, including Alani, who gives a grandiose and flatulent performance as Geronte; Nieto, who channels her inner diva to play the larger than life Argante; and Carter, whose hysterical Isabelle is a delight. McCutcheon is also wonderful as the levelheaded Lisette and Powers is hilarious as the lovelorn Eraste. Last, but certainly by no means least, is the small role (pun intended) of Scruple, the two-foot by 11-inch lawyer played by Jocelynn Johnston, who manages to give a memorable performance despite her limited stage time.

Commendations must also be given for the wonderful staff behind the scenes. From the meticulously detailed scenic design of Michael McKeon, to the sumptuous costumes designed by 

Beth Duggan, to the deft direction of Rob Lutfy, these talented individuals worked tirelessly to bring the world of 18^th century France to life.  

While some of the jokes fall flat here and there, overall “The Heir Apparent” is an entertaining and lighthearted good time. Stagehouse has been on a roll, recently, of putting on great productions, and “The Heir Apparent” further solidifies their mission of staging quality theatre. 

Performances are March 22,23,24 at 7:30 p.m. and March 24 at 2:00 p.m.  Tickets on sale now at the Grossmont College Theatre Box Office, $15 for general admission, $12 for Seniors/Military/GCCCD Faculty & Staff, $10 for CCCD Students.  All forms of payment and major debit/ credit cards are accepted. The theater is located at 8800 Grossmont College Drive.  For more information, call (619) 644-7234 or on line at www.gross.edu/theatrebrochure.