author: Alan Duda & Stephen Duda
I gotta’ admit, I came into this show blind. I initially felt left in the dark at the opening scene’s light levels, but since the play is called Black Comedy I figured I’d wait to see why. I should have been clued in by the director Lori Bruun coming onto the fully lit stage for the show announcements and asking for a spotlight, whereupon the lights changed to place her in the dark. Hint, light is dark and dark is light in this play, with interesting options for the director – doubling as light designer – to work with partial light from flashlights, and well-timed white outs from blown out matches.
Brindsley Miller is the determined defeatist sculptor, preparing to meet both his fiancée Carol’s father and an art-loving millionaire potential sponsor, when the fuses blow. Vijay Dev as Brindsley shows hilarious physicality with athletic pratfalls, rearranging the furniture without any guests’ cognizance, or going bump in the light. Along those lines, kudos to Sarah Luckadoo as the intimacy and contact coordinator – both the shady kisses and the murky meanderings could count as combat maneuvers. Nina Rice as Carol brings a bubbly naivete that slowly turns to jealousy when Brindsley’s ex-flame Clea arrives. Jessie Duggan as Clea also provides a brilliant character turn as we learn Brindsley’s problems are more due to his very very foxy-poo deceptiveness and less to external influences.
Nik Henle as friend Harold, demonstrating vice-presidential covetousness of his furniture, is priceless. By the way, check out Emerald Chaise’s bio in the online program – it has seen some things*. Dana Fleischer as tee-totaling neighbor Miss Furnival confusing her drinks eventually confusing her is a highlight of the show.
Gary Brick as Carol’s father, The Colonel, is “S.O.”, Spot On. You should enjoy seeing his and all the other characters’ facial reactions to each other, because they can’t. Stephen Bruun brings great heart as Schuppanzigh, the most illuminating character of the story. Throwing in a brief appearance by Lenny Dinerman playing the hard of hearing Bamberger makes for raucous hilarity.
David Chalmer’s set design makes a lot happen on the small stage, adding height and depth with stairs and a clever basement. And don’t worry, the factual tactility of Anne Hull, Sean Eustis, Jaila Desper, and Nina Rice’s monstrosity in the corner eventually explains itself. Lori has directed a wonderful show.
Running Time: Approximately 80 minutes with no intermission
Black Comedy plays through June 22nd 2025 at Laurel Mill Playhouse— in the heart of historic Laurel at 508 Main Street in Laurel, MD. Tickets should be purchased in advance (though walk-ins are welcome!) and are available by calling the box office at 301-617-9906 or through the ticketing website online.
* https://laurelmillplayhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/105/2025/06/long-program.pdf