Description and review of One Man, Two Guvnors, now on the Mainstage at the B Street Theatre at The Sophia in Midtown Sacramento. One Man, Two Guvnors, originally slated to end March 4, has been extended to March 11.
As a friend and I recently entered the new Mainstage Theatre we were greeted by music. When we looked more closely at the musicians we realized that several of the One Man, Two Guvnors actors were performing with the trio (composed of Jerry McGuire, Olivia Schaperjohn, and Hunter Henrckson). Dave Pierini, a long-time member of the B Street Theatre Acting Company, was playing guitar. Later we were also treated to tunes during some of the set changes and before the start of the second act.
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Pierini made a few opening comments prior to the performance – and it is evident that the members of the B Street Theatre Acting Company could not be more thrilled with their new digs.
The stage is considerably larger than the old location on B Street, allowing for greatly expanded sets and larger casts. One Man, Two Guvnors, for example, has a cast of eleven – and multiple actors can interact on the stage as the same time! I am sure that regular attendees at the previous B Street Theatre location can appreciate just how big a deal this is.
See Related Post: B Street Theatre at The Sofia
One Man, Two Guvnors – The Plot
As a way of introduction to The Servant of Two Masters Pierini suggested that audience members who considered themselves of above average intelligence may want to consider leaving. You cannot say that fair warning was not given.
One Man, Two Guvnors, written by Playwright Richard Bean, is an updated adaptation of The Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni. The Servant of Two Masters was first published in 1753. One Man, Two Guvnors was first performed in May of 2011.
The plot of the comedy/farce is both simple and silly – and amusing. The year is 1963 and the setting is Brighton, England. Francis Henshall, an out-of-work musician, takes on two jobs to make ends meet and tries to keep both of his employers from finding out about the other. Henshall is always on the lookout for that basic necessity – food.
The plot has multiple twists and turns, and audience participation is woven into the play. Henshall in one scene requests help to carry some trunks owned by one of his Guvnors into the nearby pub. In another scene he solicits an accomplice from the audience to help him hide food which he plans to enjoy later that evening. The audience members who participated were all good sports.
If you could use a few laughs – there is still time to catch One Man, Two Guvnors before its run ends on March 11.
Comments on One Man, Two Guvnors?
Did you see One Man, Two Guvnors? What would you add about the play or the Mainstage Theatre?
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Finally saw this play tonight. The new theater is really lovely ; they have really managed to keep the feel and charm of the original B Street in a new, roomy and way more comfortable environment. And so many bathrooms! Yay! The play was an interesting choice for opener. I would have been happier if someone had edited about 40 minutes out of it, particularly if the deleted parts included the music.
Yes, the new theatre is a real gem – and it is really funny when you think about it how all of us B Street regulars are so thrilled about the bathrooms!