Photo by Thee Photo Ninja
It’s always fun when a play is set in familiar territory, and with all its quirks, Florida is truly the best place to set a comedy. freeFall Theatre’s latest play, For Closure! is a delightful tribute to all things absurd, yet endearing about the Sunshine State.
Playwright Hannah Benitez has captured the perfect snapshot of Florida life, specifically Tampa Bay. It’s set in the fictional town of Gulfpalm.
The farce deals with a sketchy real estate market, the abundance of strip clubs in Tampa (personal favorite: the fictional Clam Hut) and a right-wing politician who’s cut the state’s arts budget (sound familiar?).
Benitez’s writing is sharp and witty. Originally from Miami, it’s clear she has affection for the state. The play is having its world premiere at freeFall.
For Closure!
Directed by Eric Davis, the comedy follows romantic couple Amanda (Sara DelBeato) and Raven (Renata Eastlick) as they struggle to keep the family real estate business from failing.
Photo by Thee Photo Ninja
One particular property is the root of the problem: Amanda’s historic family home appears to be haunted, and they can’t keep a regular tenant. Her mother is presumed to have been eaten by alligators.
The rotating door of tenants opens the opportunity for actors to flex their range. Kelly Pekar plays uptight teacher Mrs. F.; Mrs. Rosinsky, the snobby wife of a Russian oligarch; and stripper Bobbi Gooshay, where Pekar shines.
Glenn Girón tackles hip hop stoner Rizzy Boi; the silent and strong super, Rick; and Michael Davenport the despised politician.
Speaking of rotating doors, there are a lot of gags involving the swinging kitchen and dining room doors — a trope made familiar in television sitcoms.
Enter Camille Chevalier Milk
For Closure! feels like a sitcom again upon the entrance of psychic Camille Chevalier Milk, played by Matthew McGee. When he comes on the scene, it felt like a guest star moment, with the audience cheering and clapping wildly.
And there’s good reason for it. His look is absurdly funny. Dressed in a purple blazer and tropical shirt, he’s sporting a spiked toupee and a serious sunburn.
Benitez created this role specifically for McGee. Described as a “mix of Rip Taylor, Leslie Jordan, and Walter Mercado,” McGee nails it with a deep Southern drawl and plenty of sass.
A Silly Second Act
Photo by Thee Photo Ninja
The situation gets more complicated by the second act, bringing everyone’s comedic chops out. Eastlick, solid throughout, has fun in disguise as a chef. DelBeato hits her stride when she’s pretending to share the same values as Davenport, who she ends up needing to save her historic house.
Girón brings entitled energy to the politician, and as his wife, Pekar gives Stepford vibes. They’re the polar opposite of their roles as Bobbi and Rizzy Boi, who were also a couple.
As the action takes a slapstick turn, McGee does hilarious things with a motorized wheelchair scooter.
No spoilers, but the play ends with a few surprises. What’s no surprise is how much fun you’ll have.
Go See For Closure!
For Closure! freeFall Theatre. 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Through May 11: $55 adults, $25 youth. 727-498-5205, freefalltheatre.com.
Arts All Around!
The Gabber Newspaper covers live theater and art across South Pinellas. And, when we find something worth the drive, we cover art in the Tampa Bay and Sarasota areas.
