Review: ‘Allergist’s Wife’ offers universal truths played for laughs

Charles Busch’s 2000 Broadway comedy, “The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife,” is a cautionary story about trying to find happiness by being someone you’re not. It’s very Manhattan centric, but the universal truths are hilariously presented. North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre’s production mines a lot of laughs with a likeable cast.

Marjorie is having a mid-life crisis. She’s realized that, despite involving herself in myriad cultural and social activities, she feels unfulfilled and worthless. Her mother, Frieda, who never gives her any credit, only increases that feeling. Marjorie’s husband Ira, who’s focused on his acclaim as a successful allergist, isn’t any help.

Marjorie’s depression lifts when Lee, a long-lost childhood friend, comes to visit. As the women catch up, Marjorie finds that Lee has had the life she’s always wanted. Lee’s stories of hobnobbing with the rich and famous cause Frieda and Ira to question her veracity and intentions. They try to warn Marjorie but she’s so caught up in vicariously living, she doesn’t see where Lee’s mesmerizing charm is leading.

For its humor and plot, the script relies heavily on Yiddish expressions, recitation of Manhattan businesses and institutions, and strings of literary and artistic references. Busch introduces some controversial political elements that seem out of place and also falls back on easy laughs when grandmotherly Frieda uses profanity. Still, there are enough unexpected situations and zingy one-liners to keep audiences engaged.

Director Timothy E. Locklear’s actors are the right ages and types, ably carrying out his varied staging. Christine Rogers gives Marjorie’s retorts a biting edge and frets amusingly over her angst. Jean Jamison’s Lee is nicely calculating in cat-with-the-canary mode. As Frieda, Gilly Conklin deserves credit for underplaying the “Mama’s Family” stereotype of the ever-complaining little old lady, while still getting the lion’s share of laughs.

Greg Wait does what he can with the somewhat thankless role of Ira, coming into his own in the surprising second act twist. Abhilash Kunnatoor Margabandu’s doorman Mohammed is endearing, although sometimes needing clearer enunciation. Mike Raab’s elaborate apartment set makes a fine backdrop for the comic developments.

On Saturday, the performance was efficient but the actors hadn’t fully relaxed into their characters, a deficiency that likely will have faded by this week’s run.

This story was originally published April 19, 2016 at 1:58 PM with the headline "Review: ‘Allergist’s Wife’ offers universal truths played for laughs."