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The Government Inspector Inspected Our Funny Bones

By Lupe Conde


The cast of "The Government Inspector" (photo by Gabriella Pizzolo).


The fact that the song "Rasputin" by R&B group Boney M. could successfully open a two hour adaptation of "The Government Inspector" was already good. The play's witty, dark humor and hysterical acting made it even better. 


Put on by Acting Company 50 and directed by Virginia Scott, this refreshing production stood the test of time by upholding the play's original goal of satirizing political bureaucracy. It was also full of bawdy humor and amusing musical transitions.


"The Government Inspector" is Jeffrey Hatcher's 2008 adaptation of Nikolai Gogol's original satirical play. It tells the story of a town and the havoc that ensues when a dissolute government clerk is mistaken for an undercover government inspector. The characters are eccentric and charming, even while trying to cover up the town government's corruption.


The play took place in the CMFT. The stage was dark and thoughtfully set up with a welcoming sign that read "Mayor's House." In the middle stood a frilly pink and white lamp, a beige chaise chair, and a red sequin pillow on top. The minimal use of props didn't take anything away from the show, whose actors brought more than enough life and excitement. 



"The Government Inspector's" musical number (photos by Gabriella Pizzolo).


The show started with a funny musical number that included characters, like the hospital director, playing a tuba. The Mayor, played by Gabe Stein, then set off the rest of the show. Stein perfectly portrayed the Mayor as a comedic interpretation of human dishonesty. While I could go on about my thoughts of both acts, I want to congratulate the artistic liberty many of these actors took in depicting their characters. 


Nnamdi Uzobuife, who portrayed the Postmaster, brought a fresh new take to the role. He brought a certain je ne sais quoi to a character who was plainly described as "simple-minded and naive" and whose sole purpose was to read other people's mail. He engaged the audience with his sassy attitude and dramatic gestures, making the crowd desperate to see him on stage again.


Adding to the already hilarious play, Trygve Gunderson and Lilia Ireland, who played twins Dobchinsky and Bobchinsky, played wonderfully off each other. Their playful banter and jester-like motions had the audience bent over in fits of laughter each time they appeared on stage. One scene that comes to mind is when the twins had a prolonged dilemma on who should exit the Mayor's house first by oddly being too courteous to one another.


Trygve Gunderson and Lilia Ireland as Dobchinsky and Bobchinsky (photo by Gabriella Pizzolo).

 

Nora Nilsen Healy, who played the Mayor's deadpan Marya, brought her own twist to the role. She latched onto the character's love of black clothing and created an emo 2000s kid persona— the misunderstood goth teenager whose only way to her heart is to play her an alternative rock song.


Virginia Scott did a wonderful job allowing the actors to commit to the role, all the while with a modern twist using current references. It built on an already funny play and then ended with a big musical bang.

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