Actors score truly high points in 'Touch and Go' 
 
Wednesday, May 15, 2002

By James A. Karis II
TELEGRAM & GAZETTE REVIEWER 

TOUCH AND GO: A comedy by Derek Benfield, directed by Dave Ludt and Pat 
Delano, produced by Dave Ludt and Kathy Ludt, lighting and sound by Matt 
Cogswell, set design by Dave Ludt. Performances at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday 
and Saturday at Calliope Theatre, 150 Main St., Boylston.

With Christina Dowd, Bill Bravo, Kathy Ludt, Brenda Ladoulis and Dave Ludt.  


Calliope Productions has succeeded with its current show because of the actors' 
deftness at feeling their way through the absurdity of "Touch and Go." Derek 
Benfield's script relies on the audience knowing more than the characters, an 
element that the cast builds on with precise timing and convincing portrayals. 
Throw in a few twists and a dash of deception, and you have a charming comedic 
mix.

First staged at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon, England, the play focuses on 
the adulterous affairs of two married couples -- and the convoluted scenarios 
spawned as they attempt to conceal their infidelity.

Brian (Bill Bravo) is married to Hilary (Brenda Ladoulis), but is having an 
affair with the sexy young Wendy (Christina Dowd). Hilary is cheating on 
Brian with his friend, George (Dave Ludt). When George's wife, Jessica 
(Kathy Ludt), returns from abroad, she finds Brian and Wendy in her flat -- 
while also finding herself in a web of falsehood and fabrication, as the 
adulterers scramble to hide their transgressions.

The show was at its finest when the characters were trying to wiggle their 
way out of lies -- spinning preposterous tales that were just believable 
enough to work.

On Saturday night, the cast demonstrated strong chemistry. Mr. Ludt was at 
his zany best trying to explain his way out of a leopard-print bathrobe, while 
Ms. Dowd provided a welcome dose of sensuality as Brian's young paramour. 
Ms. Ludt was also effective as the seemingly daft Jessica.

Consisting of the two couples' London flats, the set was professionally done. 
Incidental music from Ella Fitzgerald added richness to the atmosphere, although 
the music ended abruptly before the beginning of Acts 1 and 2. Transitions would 
have been smoother had the music faded out.

Mr. Benfield's comedy offers a balance of intelligent humor and mindless shenanigans. 
For every witty remark, there's a ludicrous scene that succeeds because of the actors' 
ability to convey the awkwardness of the moment. From the opening line to the curtain 
call, Calliope showcases a nimble touch with "Touch and Go." 

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Copyright 2002 Worcester Telegram & Gazette Corp.