BY SHARLEEN NELSON
Review
A Day to Remember
Fuddy Meers opens at Arena Theatre.
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30 APRIL 29, 2004
W
elcome to the funhouse
— UO’s intimate and
funky Arena Theatre
that is, where David Lindsay-
Abaire’s off-the-wall dark comedy,
Fuddy Meers, is currently playing.
Focusing primarily on the ac-
tion and the characters themselves,
the crew makes good use of the
small space for kitchen, basement,
bedroom, and automobile scenes
by using minimal props — simple
boxes that easily morph from bed to
couch to car. Further enhancing the
funhouse feel is a wacky blend of
music and sounds — from “Sesame Stacy Douglas and Daren Lundeen in Fuddy Meers,
University Theatre.
Street” and “PeeWee’s Playhouse”
themes to well-timed “Loony
violence and the defense mechanisms victims
Tunes,” and a slideshow projected on the
use to justify further manipulation.
wall that flashes a random sampling of amus-
Still, it certainly was a day like no other
ing factoids.
for Claire. Many secrets are revealed and
The play centers on Claire, who suffers
questions answered — all except one, will
from a rare medical condition called psy-
she remember any of it tomorrow?
chogenic amnesia, in which she wakes up
Director j. nick dickert has assembled a
every morning with virtually no memory of
talented and energetic cast. As the play’s hap-
the previous day. Every morning her husband
less heroine Claire, Stacy Douglas exudes a
Richard must re-explain her situation. He’s
sweet and natural innocence that immedi-
even compiled a handy reference book to
ately draws the audience squarely in her cor-
help her get through the day. But when an un-
ner. Likewise, Sean Andries puts in a first-
expected limping, lisping caller sporting a ski
rate performance as her deceptively amiable
mask, bright orange coveralls and a handcuff
spouse, Richard.
suspiciously dangling from one wrist pops
Daren Lundeen is hilarious as the pathetic
out from under her bed, this day promises to
and disfigured Limping Man, and Kyle
be unlike any other.
Warren is perfectly cast in the over-the-top
Claiming to be her brother, limping man
role of the conflicted Millet. His manic mus-
convinces Claire that he is rescuing her from
ings with sock puppet Hinky-Binky steal the
her dangerous husband and whisks her away
show. Jennifer Thomas does a good job play-
to their mother’s house in the country.
ing the stroke-challenged Gertie, although at
Meanwhile, Richard and his angry, punk son
times she seemed to struggle with it. To her
Kenny set out in search of Claire.
credit, however, it’s hard enough remember-
At the mother’s house in the country, pan-
ing regular lines, let alone gibberish ones.
demonium ensues, but the chaotic action
Rounding out the cast is Stevo Clay as angst-
takes a serious turn as revelations and memo-
ridden teen-ager Kenny, and Danielle
ries merge, allowing Claire to begin peeling
Kardum as lady cop Heidi. Both put in fine
back the layers of her disjointed psyche.
performances. Entertaining and full of sur-
Claire’s “blank slate” reveals, among other
prises, Fuddy Meers runs through May 1. ew
things, the wretched devastation of domestic