"Leading Ladies" at Sierra Madre Playhouse

The Sierra Madre Playhouse opened their 2008 season with "Leading Ladies," a deliciously funny comedy-farce that will bring to mind the film, "Some Like it Hot."

In this Ken Ludwig play directed by Ken Salzman, two down-on-their luck Shakespearean actors are barely making it at third and fourth-rate theaters when a "dream role" lands in their laps.

An elderly, ailing and very rich local woman (played by Betsey Stevens) is looking for her two long-lost English relatives - Max and Steve - to inherit her fortune when she dies. The two actors think they can easily impersonate the nephews and snag a million bucks each. That is, until they learn that the "heirs" are really nieces named Maxine and Stephanie!

R. Christopher Sands alternately plays Leo and Maxine, in what can only be described as a "brilliant" performance. His timing is perfect; his falsetto/baritone voice-switches are flawless, and his deadpan asides and double-takes are absolutely hysterical. His flamboyant clothes (yes, high-heels too), makeup and wig add to the hilarity (especially when quick costume changes become necessary).

Timothy Coultas pulls off his double role as Jack/Stephanie in grand style as well, smoothly slipping from shy maiden to love-struck beau and back again with nary a wig askew. When, as part of their plan, he must try to seduce the parson ( Frank Dooley) but nets the doctor ( Stan Kelly) instead, the audience roars with laughter at the outrageous consequences.

To complicate matters, the guys meet and fall for two beautiful girls ( Elaine O'B. Capogeannis and Jen Gabbert), who already have boyfriends. How do men, impersonating women, woo the girls of their dreams? It's not easy, and soon the two face exposure and arrest. Will the guys get the gals, or will their fraud put them in jail?

For an evening (or afternoon) of zany comedy, "Leading Ladies" is a must-see.

It plays now, through February 23, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00, and Sunday afternoons at 2:30 pm.

Admission is $20. (Seniors & students are $17 and children under 12 are $12.) Call 626-256-3809 for reservations.

The Sierra Madre Theater is located at 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd, Sierra Madre, in a quaint shopping/eating area, with plenty of free parking behind the theater.