Recipe: Turkey Pâté en croûte
November 1, 2012
Editor’s Picks for November
November 1, 2012
When the principal couple opens a show with the simultaneous proclamation, “I want a divorce,” the plot does not seem to have much place to go, but audiences can experience tension leading to that moment when Le Petit Theatre presents Fred Carmichael’s “Coming Apart.”
This charming romantic comedy follows the past, present and future of the Kittridges, a married couple who apparently want a divorce. Frances Kittridge and her husband Colin were happily married until an experiment for Fran’s next book stirred up trouble.
Kelly Burlette plays Frances, a successful romance novelist who is married to the equally successful humor columnist, Colin.
“We are in the midst of getting a divorce,” Burlette says.
“She cheated on me,” jokes Scott Goodewin, who plays Colin.
“I did not,” Burlette says.
Both Kittridges are conceited with their literary success, and the rivalry between them only adds to their stubborn mentalities.
Although they are still in love, neither plans to change.
Frances parallels the couple’s troubles in the book she is writing called “How to Survive a Marriage” as they continue to live together. Their lives are literally “Coming Apart” as Frances and Colin attempt to divide their space and belongings in the same apartment for a six-month waiting period.
They confide in their best friends Sylvia Mallinson, the couple’s literary agent, and Bert Stockton, a financier who overhears Colin’s troubles at the club. The friends try to help the Kittridges “see the light,” which creates more conflict.
Danielle Marchive plays Sylvia. The literary agent for both Kittridges moves the relationship along.
“They meet in my office,” Marchive says.
Sylvia tells Frances how can she write a book on “How to Survive a Marriage” in a marriage that has died.
Bert, played by Reggie Pontiff, is the stockbroker and Colin’s best friend who also hears of the emotional turmoil between the Kittridges.
“According to everyone, I’m a drunk,” Pontiff says.
Director Ouida Best says the show is interesting because it does not stagnate during one particular time-frame.
“This is a romantic comedy, and there’s a little bit of everything,” Best says. “We start now. We go backwards to when they met and we go backwards to when he proposed. We go forward to how they see themselves in 25 years. There’s nothing heavy. It’s amusing with funny scenes and funny lines.”
The stage is divided into two which allows the time-jumps and different scenarios.
Best says although “Coming Apart” is a romantic comedy, it is not “cheeky” and overdramatic.
“There is just the right amount of humor and reality, without the story getting too deep,” Best says.
Hilarious differences are created as Frances and Colin remember different versions of their meetings and the marriage proposal. Each Kittridge also pictures a different future with one another.
The couple’s marriage troubles cloud whether or not they are actually still in love, but both Kittridges are too stubborn to admit it. Startling revelations through the flash-backs and flash-forwards bring about a heartfelt ending.
“Coming Apart” runs Nov. 8-18 at Le Petit Theatre de Terrebonne, 7829 Main St., Houma. Tickets cost $15. For more information, call (985) 876-4278 or visit www.houmalittletheatre.com.
Sylvia (Danielle Marchive) speaks with Frances Kittridge (Kelly Burlette), a successful novelist who is struggling in her marriage to a successful humor columnist.
Colin Kittridge (Scott Goodewin), the embattled other half of Frances, shares his problems with financial analyst and friend Bert stockton (Reggie Pontiff).
