ON THEATER: Theater comedy opens Playhouse season

Comedies about the theater abound, from “The Royal Family” to “Light Up the Sky” to “Noises Off.” And because of the special insight they offer, they’ve proven particularly popular with audiences.

The Laguna Playhouse is hoping to continue that magic spell with its season-opening production, “Don’t Talk to the Actors,” arriving in previews Sept. 9 and opening its regular engagement Sept. 13.

Written by Tom Dudzick, the comedy has its roots in Buffalo, N.Y., with leading characters of Polish persuasion — their names are Jerry Przpezniak and Arlene Wyniarski. Transplant this pair to New York City, when Jerry’s autobiographical play is optioned for Broadway, and you’ve got the ingredients for some pretty funny business.

The young playwright’s New York dreams predictably turn into nightmares more approximating Gotham City darkness when Curt Logan, a 1980s television star (who still dresses the part) takes over the production, along with the author’s fiancee. And the actress hired to portray Jerry’s sainted mother turns out to be Curt’s bawdy TV wife.

Directing “Don’t Talk to the Actors” is Rick Sparks, a ubiquitous artisan whose lengthy list of awards have come for directing, writing, producing, acting, sound designing and choreographing. Among the cast, only Steve Vinovich, who appeared in the playhouse’s production of “Art” last season, will be familiar to Laguna playgoers. The other performers include Emily Eiden, Chris L. McKenna, Denise Moses, Joel Polis and Ellen T’Kaye.

The Laguna production will be the West Coast premiere of “Don’t Talk to the Actors.” The comedy made its original debut last September at Buffalo’s Studio Arena Theater.

Following preview week, Sept. 9 to 12, and the Sept. 13 gala opener, performances will be given at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and 7 p.m. Oct. 5. The show closes Oct. 12. Tickets $25 to $65 and may be reserved by calling the playhouse box office at (949) 497-2787.

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Coastline Pilot.