By Eli Bolus
“Neil Simon must have been plowed when he wrote ‘Fools.’ ”
These are the words theatre director Chris Bundy left the audience with before the FC Studio One production of “Fools” began on opening night.
“Fools” is a play of minimal scenery that Bundy’s acting classes performed. It was put on by the Advanced Acting II class with two casts and was made up mostly by sophomores, and I was only able to see the first cast. With Bundy retiring at the end of the year and leaving his long line of excellence, the sophomores really represent the future of FC’s theater program, and after seeing “Fools” I could not be happier.
“Fools” itself was not performed on the main stage. Instead, it was put on in the Studio One room for a much smaller crowd than other plays. But even while on a smaller stage, it still provided worthwhile entertainment for kids and parents alike.
“Fools” takes place in the quaint Ukrainian town of Kulyenchikov, a town plagued by a 200-year-old curse that leaves all residents of the town as fools. It follows the protagonist, Leon Tolchinsky, a young school teacher eager to teach. He is the town’s only hope to bring intelligence back to the village.
Tolchinksy was played by sophomore Clay Gulley in both casts, and quite simply, Gulley made the show. No one in the show performed poorly, but Gulley performed exceptionally well. He so snugly fit himself in his role that you almost forgot you were watching a play. He could be funny and foolish when the script demanded but could draw it back and be serious with strong dramatic monologues. Gulley is part of the future of the FC theater program, and that is a good thing.
Having said that, some aspects of the show could have used work. The Russian accents left something to be desired at times, and the script itself wasn’t Neil Simon’s best, as the Three Stooges style of comedy grew stale after a while and it made clear why it was only on Broadway for a month. However, the the humor displayed throughout left the audience laughing within the first five minutes of the show and throughout the play.
“Fools” offered a look into the future of FC theater, and after seeing it my previous fear of FC’s theater program declining was estinguished. The future of FC theater is a bright one that will continue the line of greatness Bundy has established.
Good job. The coming year will certainly be an interesting one for the theater program!
It was a great play. I agree and disagree with the review. I think you should have seen both casts as it is a different atmosphere put out by different actors. As for the part about Clay “making the show”, he was the main character. He did well, but if anyone did an amazing part, it was Cole Thorton(Town Mayor). And I do share an agreement on the part of comedic points of view you had. It does share a similarity to a three stooges kind of humor, but isn’t that the intended humor put forth in some parts? Overall this was a good review. Good job.