Character Takes Center Stage in SCDS’s “The Man Who Came to Dinner”
Style over substance is an oft derogatory critique, but when there’s this much style it’s hard to complain. While not as philosophical as last year’s production of “The Anastasia Trials in the Court of Women,” when watching the Stern College Dramatics Society version of “The Man Who Came to Dinner” you’ll be too busy laughing to notice. Outrageously funny and quick-witted, the whole production oozes charm from the cutting dialogue to the over-the-top performances. You can just tell that everyone on set is having the time of their lives and that infectious joyous feeling translates perfectly across the stage.
The play follows the charismatic, yet prickly, Sheridan Whiteside, a famed New York socialite visiting a small town in Ohio. Following an accident outside of the Stanley residence which leaves him wheelchair bound, the radio personality threatens legal action against the family unless allowed to commandeer their home while he recovers. Therein he is joined by his secretary Maggie Cutler, his attending nurse Ms. Preen and physician Dr. Bradley. Heads begin to butt and shenanigans ensue as we are introduced to an ever increasing cavalcade of cartoonish characters and scenarios.
Character is where this production shines. Aliza Billet (SCW ‘26) plays the role of Mr. Whiteside, effortlessly walking the line between obnoxious and endearing. Always quick with a quip or an insult she fully transforms into the role both physically and verbally.
“The voice was the key to unlocking the character,” Billet told The Commentator. “Because he's so unique in the way he sounds, the script just came off the page really naturally.”
Billet’s version of Mr. Whiteside has a classic Mid-Atlantic accent and sounds as if he’s never gone a day without a cigar thanks to the raspy intonation she utilizes in her vocal performance. Whiteside’s barbs and biting witticisms, particularly when dealing with the ever irritable Mr. Stanley — played with the perfect bah humbug inflection by Shalva Englander (SCW ‘25) — are one of the many highlights of the production.
Mr. Whiteside is joined by his secretary Maggie Cutler, played by the superbly talented Tamara Yeshurun (SCW ‘26). Maggie is maybe the only person who can match wit with Mr. Whiteside, resulting in repartee that would make even Aaron Sorkin blush. Much of the drama stems from her budding romance with the dopey Bert Jefferson — played by Rebbeca Kalmar (SCW ‘25) — and how it comes to catalyze future conflicts. Yeshurun brings an understatedness to the role which helps balance out the eccentricity of the rest of the cast. Additionally, her earnestness serves as a contrast to the superficial glitz and glamour of Lorraine Sheldon, played by Ilana Pollak (SCW ‘26), an actress friend of Mr. Whiteside who is also vying for the affection of Jefferson.
Pollak’s hammy delivery and overly theatrical mannerisms really bring the character to life. She has such a great comedic presence. Even when she is not speaking, her facial expressions convey so much humor and character that I would often find myself looking for her reaction to the events occurring in any given scene.
Another standout performance is that of Eliana Diamond (SCW ‘25), whose dual role as Metz and Banjo would not feel out of place in a Looney Tunes short. She is quite literally a live-action cartoon and her madcap energy never failed to induce laughter from the audience.
The production runs at a mile a minute, with jokes flying faster than a YP student from a coed event. You’ll hardly find yourself a chance to catch your breath before the next one is delivered. However, this fast paced energy can undercut some of the more dramatic moments of the play, not giving the scene much time to breathe before moving on to another bit or gag. A lot of time is spent setting up dominoes only for them to fall with little fanfare.
All things considered, SCDS’s “The Man Who Came to Dinner” is an entertaining, rip-roaring good time. You’ll have a blast spending an evening or an afternoon with these characters. The passion from the cast and crew is palpable. Everyone involved is firing on all cylinders — the props department somehow even constructed a giant sarcophagus, although how exactly that fits into the story you’ll have to find out for yourself when the Stern College Dramatics Society performs the “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” directed by Leah Gottfried (SCW ‘14).
The three showings will be in the Schottenstein Theatre at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, and at 7:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. Tickets can be bought here.
Photo Caption: Mr. Whiteside and Lorraine with the sarcophagus
Photo Credit: David Deutsch
