The silly-Sixties are well in hand as Metro Theatre presents Send Me No Flower until February 24th. Written by by Norman Barasch and Carroll Moore, Send Me No Flowers, is best known as the 1964 Rock Hudson – Doris Day romantic comedy, adapted from their 1960 Broadway play. This production, directed by Emma Graveson stars Tracy Labrosse and Andrew Kenny as Judy and George Kimball.
The Kimballs are a picture of mid-century domestic bliss, except for the fact George is a hypochondriac. Judy has put up with his ‘crying-wolf’, and humours his regular aches and moans, until one such morning when chest pain prompt a house call from Dr Morrisey (Simon Ruddell). George overhears the Doctor’s phone conversation about a dying patient and mistakenly thinks it’s about him. Now convinced he’s going to leave Judy alone and incapable of taking care of herself (because, in the Sixties, women depend on their husbands for everything). Along with distraught and drunken neighbour Arnold (a charming, slap-stick turn by James Barclay) they conceive a plan to ensure Judy remarries after his passing to ensure ‘she’s taken care of’. Enter, the successful oil-man Bert Power (Ugo Nwachuku), an old college friend of George and ex-boyfriend of Judy, who coincidentally is visiting for the weekend. George encourages Judy and Bert to socialize whilst unknown to Judy he prepares for his demise, buying a funeral plot and allowing Arnold to deliver his eulogy. Miscommunication further confuses the story when Judy misinterprets Georges’ motives, causing him to reveal his truth which is further confused by Dr Morrisey’s inopportune return to the scene, then the story flips a couple more times so even George is unsure what to believe before our couple can find their happy ending or will it be tragic? Joan Koebel, Joshua Sheridan and Karina Frislev, rounding out the supporting cast help provide more laughs in this comedy of errors.
While director Emma Graveson tries to brings some modern context to the period-piece, Send Me No Flowers is still loaded with laughs from the tropes and bygone Sixties sensibilities. Responsible for creating a Sixties inspired look and feel for the show are the skilled production team of Costume Designer Kassandra Sisson, Props Michelle Roebuck, Set Design and Decoration by Emily Dotson and Daisy Fun, Scenic Carpenters Robin Richardson and Rob Moser, Lighting Designer Nate Kelly, Sound Designer James Barclay.
Enjoy the light-hearted, look back to the Sixties as Send Me No Flowers continues onstage at Metro Theatre, 1370 Marine Drive SW, until February 24, 2024. Showtimes, details and ticket are online at metrotheatre.com