Playhouse West’s “Here on the Flight Path” offers an evening of laughter

By Stephanie Wright Hession
Arts and Culture Writer

An evening of laughter awaits those who see Playhouse West’s production of Canadian playwright Norm Foster’s “Here on the Flight Path” directed by Lois Grandi.

David Hern brings the wit and humor of Foster’s writing wonderfully to life with his charming portrayal of John Cummings, a sarcastic, recently divorced newspaper columnist. A lonely, sympathetic, empty sort of character who works from home on his laptop with a steady beer in his hand, John attempts to forge a relationship with each of the three women who move next door to him over the course of several years.

Taking place on the large adjoining balconies of fourth floor apartments at the Aurora Terrace Apartments somewhere in Canada, about a mile from downtown and under an airport’s busy flight path, the utilitarian feel of the building comes through thanks to Doug Ham’s set with its dull white walls, brick columns and muted blue doors and window frames.

First there’s Fay, played by Teresa Wilkes Levine, an attractive blonde with red fingernails and toenails wearing a snug tank top and shorts. John and Fay’s first meeting produces clever banter as they discuss sex and relationships between women and men. It also illustrates the delicious chemistry between the two. After Fay's initial claims she’s a consultant who raises men’s morale, John discovers she’s actually a high-class escort. Wilkes Levine gives a touching portrayal of this savvy, bright character who masks her sensitivity with a cynical exterior.

Next comes Angel (Rebecca Schweitzer), a boisterous, vivacious and naïve young farm girl from Alberta with dreams of becoming a theatrical star. It’s as if Angel’s living in a musical especially when she belts out “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from Funny Girl. Her over the top performance as this fresh faced and ditzy hopeful with quips such as “You’re a gloomy gus,” add lots of energy to this production.

Finally there’s Gwen (Lisa-Marie Newton) from Vancouver, a depressed, recently dumped wife who spends her time sobbing. At first she tells John that she left her husband of 20 years because he used a handkerchief but as the two become friends, he learns the truth. It’s then that Gwen and John find themselves in an unlikely romance and while sweet, the chemistry between the two doesn’t feel entirely believable.

Overall though, “On The Flight Path” makes for an engaging evening of theater featuring highly appealing characters so easy to relate to. Foster’s gift for tapping into human emotions and what we hold most dear in life makes for a story both touching and amusing.

“Here on the Flight Path” plays through December 3 at the Knight Stage 3 Theater, Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. For tickets call 925-943-SHOW or visit playhousewest.org.