Reviews from “On The Razzle” 2005

'Razzle' a welcome dose of post-holiday silliness
By Barbara M. Bannon
Special to The Tribune

How do you know that the play you've come to see is a farce? The first clue is the set: It has more than the average number of doors, not to mention closets and cubbyholes to hide in. Second is the activity level: Everyone is moving at the speed of light, though they may not be getting anywhere. And finally, there are the characters: smart and smart-mouthed servants or workers, more clever than their masters/bosses, propel the plot.

 

Tom Stoppard's ''On the Razzle,'' which just opened at the University of Utah's Babcock Theatre, has all of this in abundance. Its frenetic action and glib characters provide a welcome dose of silliness to combat the post-holiday winter doldrums.  The large cast has great fun with this lively material, and Michael Unger's stylish and inventive direction gives them lots to work with.

            ''On the Razzle''  is simply out to entertain, and it succeeds admirably.

Babcock Theatre's 'Razzle' is a farce that dazzles

Kelsie Jepsen, left, Khristal Jeremy-Curtis, Kevin Stanfa and Hannah Stone

star in Babcock Theatre's regional premiere of "On the Razzle."

By Susan Whitney
Deseret Morning News

Early in the play one of the characters announces, "One false move and we could have a farce on our hands." And the audience laughs, because they have already realized that "On The Razzle" is a farce in the truest sense of the word.
   

       In short, Stoppard's text is amazing — but also quite challenging, especially for student actors.
     The Babcock Theatre production ends up being quite amusing.  On opening night, it was clear that the actors were having a grand time together.