As I relaxed at the dress rehearsal, Wednesday night, of Van Wert Civic Theatre’s current production, The Amorous Ambassador, I marveled at the play, chosen for the fourth offering of this 2007-2008 VWCT Season.

     How could the selection committee possibly have known last summer that early March would find all of us totally fed up with the trials and tribulations of a miserable winter and in desperate need of a stress-free, laugh-filled evening?

     Well, it’s happened, and The Amorous Ambassador provides more healing power than any antibiotic on the market.  It offers the type of performance where you can lean back in your theatre seat, forget the icy roads and heating bills, and laugh non-stop at the stage antics in front of you.

     In a word, it’s a side-splitter and, I venture to say, every household in town and country would benefit from its frivolity.  Examples of some of the chatter are:  “Can your hormones come out and play?” and “You can count on me to be the absolute soul of discretion” (the butler’s promise).

     First of all, the theme is a simple one, requiring no deep study or analysis of any kind, and the five-star cast gives every indication of having stepped right out of the playbook. Each of the eight characters is superior, to the finest detail, and believe me, they ARE characters!

     The set features no less than six entrances, which pop open and shut throughout the entire performance and the split-second timing required is nearly impossible.  Mere seconds (if that) separate departures and arrivals and, due to the secrecy of the comings and goings, it’s crucial that there are no slip-ups. And there aren’t!

     The story evolves around an American ambassador in Great Britain and his wife, daughter, butler, secretary, their significant others and one hardheaded Marine captain.

Doug Grooms is the “amorous” ambassador, and believe me, that’s an understatement, while Steve Goings is his butler, Perkins, and Jamie Allen plays his daughter, Debbie.  All three are magnificent.

     I want to save a few surprises for you but before I bring this review to an end, I’ve got to mention the ambassador’s gum-chewing secretary, Faye, played by Jan Miller. 

First of all, she’s a knockout, but, unfortunately, more than slightly challenged in the intellectual arena.  She, alone, is reason enough to see this play and there’s so much more that I haven’t mentioned.

     The Amorous Ambassador will be performed tonight, March 7, and Saturday night -- both at 8 p.m., as well as Sunday afternoon at 2 p. m.  Next week, performances are set for March 12, 13, 14, and a final matinee, March 15, again at 2 p. m.  All evening performances begin at 8 p. m.

     I need to repeat one recurring thought that I live with because I feel so strongly about it.  It is this:  We are so fortunate to have live theatre of this caliber right here in our town, and at such affordable costs.