The Trouble With Richard is an untroubled success at Blackhorse
By Anne Ritchie

When a very funny actor (Harry Lavigne) joins a most expressive actress (Chandra Mulder) in a comedy written by a talented author (Larry Hines), we have the makings of a wild success.

The Trouble with Richard, now playing at Blackhorse Village Players, features an assortment of sweethearts, including an eccentric drag queen, a down to earth Scottish plumber, and a hockey nut whose passions embrace the Maple Leafs and women (the scores are similar).

Hines has created a riotous success, now playing at Blackhorse until Feb. 2. Call (905) 880-5002 for tickets, but call quickly! Despite Saturday's freezing temperatures, the theatre was packed.

Lavigne plays Richard, a man who aims to marry and find eternal bliss. He quickly discovers eternal bliss is hard to find, and even to get to the starting gate, Richard must surmount the good will of friends, misunderstood neighbours, poor plumbing and electrical mishaps. Lavigne gets better and better in each Blackhorse performance; he draws out a line to its fullest impact, bringing the audience to the edge of their seats in laughter, anticipation or sympathy.

Richard's best friend Jack (Nicolino DeFrancesco) finds bliss and marriage to be directly opposite of each other. He does his worst to throw a monkey wrench into the romantic works, and DeFrancesco's "worst" brings down the house. Jack is often searching for words, arrogant, a buffoon who takes the easy way out and easily gets away with it, but DeFrancesco tosses enough charm and swagger into the mix to make the outcome believable when he catches his girl.

Enter the shooting star - Chandra Mulder is a talented actor who plays Gwyneth, an actress bounding between friendship and fun, be it the singles scene or sweet security. One never knows what strange situation will emerge or what surprises await the unsuspecting starlet. Mulder's talent is obvious as her character becomes more and more entangled in romantic dilemma. The play is bouncing with action and events can change with a click of the heels.

It's Andrew, (Don Calucci) dressed as Glinda the Good Witch, who clicks to his own tune, showing off his uniquely styled role. Carlucci offers a great performance, be it female or male, and his expression and overwhelming stage presence make him shine like no other. He shows up when he's least expected, and acts in the most unexpected way.

Andrew's excitement is lost on the very Scottish building superintendent William Campbell (Danny Merizzi), who offers his views to anyone at hand. "He's the son I never had and I'm the father he never was," he says, of Richard, adjusting his kilt proudly (the kilt means there's going to be some good laughs when he fixes the pipes under the sink). Merizzi transforms from storyteller to romantic adviser to plumber to referee effortlessly, all while fixing the kitchen sink.

While William is working on the pipes, Ginger (Kierston Drier) and Candy (Natasha Alexander) are raising the heat in the bedroom. The duo team up in an effort to free Richard from the jaws of romance. Their enthusiasm and ardour heighten the comic moments to the max. They are matched by Veronica (Melanie Hargan), who plays sweetness as if it were her second name, a very credible girl next door.

Director Deb Robertson, assisted by Kate Horzempa, Producer Cheryl Phillips and most of all, writer Larry Hines deserve a standing ovation for putting together a fantastic evening.

The Trouble with Richard is that it ends, but while it is happening, the laughter resounds, the action never stops, and the audience is loving every moment.

Don't miss it!