As always with an Alan Ayckbourn comedy, darkness and deeper meaning lie just below the farce. This is especially true of the excellent production of Ayckbourn’s 1994 “Communicating Doors,” directed by Esther Emery at Cygnet Theatre (through Sept. 23).
The action, which occurs in the same hotel room in three fifth-of-a-century times, concerns three women, the prostitute Poopay (Jessica John, fetchingly attired in leather) and two murdered wives, Ruella (Sandy Campbell) who was pushed from the hotel’s balcony; and Jessica (Brenda Dodge), who died by assisted drowning. The murderer is Julian (marvelous “bad guy” Manny Fernandes), whom Poopay meets in 2027, when she is summoned to service Julian’s boss, Reece (Tim West) the hotel’s owner.
Reece, more doddering than frightening, wants another service entirely, to have Poopay witness his confession in preparation for his imminent death. When Julian finds out, it appears that Poopay will be murder victim number three; that is, until she discovers a revolving door that takes her back 20 years to meet Ruella.
Here’s where it gets complicated, Like Poopay, Ruella can travel back in time and return to her present day in 2007, but the two cannot travel together to the same decade. Ruella travels back to 1987 and meets first wife Jessica, whom she warns of the fate that is due to befall her.
As in any good farce, sight gags abound as the characters, including hotel manager Harold (Craig Huisenga) grow younger. Peter Herman’s hair and wig design star in this department and Shulamit Nelson-Spilkin’s costumes score as well. Nick Fouch utilizes the entire width of Cygnet’s stage to create the hotel’s lavish suite, including the communicating door, the balcony and the bath, which play significant roles as well.
Surprises, terror and comedy abound in each era as the women “” particularly Poopay and Ruella “bond and seek to save each other. The final scene, sincerely played by John and West, is enormously touching.
This is excellent comedy, well done, another example of Emery’s acumen and Cygnet’s impeccable play selection and casting choices.
Cygnet Theatre is located at 6663 El Cajon Blvd. in San Diego. Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. For tickets and information, visit www.cygnettheatre.com or call (619) 337-1525.