by Dan Mayer

While he’s been mired in controversy for a long time, Woody Allen’s impact on generations of actors, writers, and filmmakers is undeniable. Schenectady Civic Players‘ production of Play it Again, Sam excellently captures what people love about Allen’s early work, and makes for a fun night of theater.

Allen’s script bears all of the hallmarks of his writing, for better and for worse. The dry humor, the painful awkwardness of the main character, the abrupt flights of fantasy that interrupt scenes, and the frequent talk of suicide are all present. It’s a wickedly funny play, but this style of humor is not going to fly with all audiences. It’s probably best viewed as a period piece, which is exactly how this production approaches it.

To that end, David Zwierankin’s set is as gorgeous as it is effective. Allan’s apartment gives the audience a clear sense of time and place before a single word is spoken. The lighting design by David Caso also helps to subtly convey when fantasy sequences begin and end. It’s not particularly hard to recognize when characters are actually in the scene versus when they’re in the main character’s head, but the lighting cues make it crystal clear.

Ryan Palmer (Allan Felix) has a great comedic stage presence. Palmer is the kind of actor who uses his entire body to deliver his lines, and he seems like he’s having a lot of fun throwing himself into the character (as well as over couches). The performance is pretty broad at times, but the silliness of the material pairs well with his slapstick.

Alexandra Doggette (Linda) makes a great scene partner for Palmer. Despite her character’s supposed anxious qualities, she comes off as very grounded compared to Palmer’s orbiting nervous demeanor. Her line deliveries are also smoother, with a lower vocal register. With all of the tongue-in-cheek Humphrey Bogart hero worship happening in this show, it’s fitting to have a love interest for Allan who looks and sounds a bit like Lauren Bacall (wife and frequent costar of Bogart).

The rest of the cast is excellent as well, but Palmer’s frantic energy is what powers the show, and once the laughs start they don’t really stop. The story and characters are a fairly shallow, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Play it Again, Sam is simply a fun comedy about the absurdity of self-image and romance (I wouldn’t call it romantic) that doesn’t ask to be taken too seriously.

Schenectady Civic Players presents Play it Again, Sam by Woody Allen, directed by Evan Jones, runs from May 10^th – 19^th, at Schenectady Civic Playhouse, 12 South Church Street in Schenectady, NY. Cast: Ryan Palmer as Allan Felix, Emily Bryan as Nancy, Michael Schaefer as Humphrey Bogart, Patrick Fiaschetti as Dick Christie, Alexandra Doggette as Linda Christie, Mary Borden as Dream Sharon/Vanessa, Amber Acosta as Sharon/Gina, and Ashley Schuligar as Go-Go Girl/Art Girl/Barbara.

Assistant Director: Abbi Roy. Producer: Sara Paupini. Stage Managesr: Thorn Burnham and Beth Swallow. Set Design/Construction: David Zwierankin. Lighting Design: David Caso. Sound Design: Brian Starnes. Show Photographer: Patrick Harris. Costume Design: Beth Ruman. Board Operator: Elise Charlebois. Properties/Set Dressing: Elise Charlebois.

Performance dates are Thursday to Sunday, May 10-12 and 15-19. Wednesday and Thursday curtains are at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays are at 8:00pm, and Sundays are matinees only at 2:30pm. Tickets are $25. Runs approximately 90 minutes without intermission. Contains references to suicide. Tickets are available online or by phone. Visit https://www.civicplayers.org/ for more information.