“When Bullfrogs Sing Opera” review

Why, pass Coreen off as a professional actress from a foreign land who is immersed in a role and absolutely refuses to step out of character. Sound like a recipe for trouble? You know it is, and it’ll have you squirming in your seats when you see “When Bullfrogs Sing Opera,” Doug Bechtel’s masterful new presentation of Carl L. Williams’ hysterical play for the Actors Theatre of Orcas Island at the Grange. It runs Feb. 24 and 25 and March 2, 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m.

February 21, 2012 4:00 pm

By Tom Welch

Special to the Sounder

Millicent (Patty Monaco) is mortified. Her hick sister, Coreen (Melinda Milligan), is coming from Bullfrog Waller to visit just when New York Society is beginning to reward her good works. Society, in the person of Frances Kupperman (Bev Leyman), is a tough customer. What to do?

Why, pass Coreen off as a professional actress from a foreign land who is immersed in a role and absolutely refuses to step out of character. Sound like a recipe for trouble? You know it is, and it’ll have you squirming in your seats when you see “When Bullfrogs Sing Opera,” Doug Bechtel’s masterful new presentation of Carl L. Williams’ hysterical play for the Actors Theatre of Orcas Island at the Grange. It runs Feb. 24 and 25 and March 2, 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Ron Herman gives a strong performance as Brian, Millicent’s husband, while John Mazzarella is the perfect successful male accompaniment to Frances’ fierce society doyenne. Other actors include Indy Zoeller and Hailey Thompson.

Vince Monaco’s New York skyline is fabulous, the centerpiece of a set that works in every possible way.  Lights and sound are true, and the crew provides a seamless production that is absolutely entrancing.