Madcap marriage bliss at the WCP

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After the last few weeks of dreary rain and cold, WCP’s “One Wife Too Many” is the perfect excuse to come out from your winter hibernation. There’s even a number of new faces in the WCP company, introducing a number of new talents to the troupe.

While Krasovic’s Holden may seem a bit too aloof with his new bride, all becomes clear as the audience discovers the deep love he had – even still has– for the lost Velvet (even so far as to keep a special photo of her on his phone): and that despite the passing of years, has never been able to let her go.

Catanzarite’s Velvet is a woman looking for some kind of closure – having only recently returned from abroad (as well as from the dead), she’s only just learned of her husband’s new marriage, but though eager explain to Holden what really happened, she is equally terrified as to reveal herself (and her disguised turn as the psychic “Lady Scarlet” to throw Holden and newest wife Alicia off her trail is one of the most fun bits in an already lively show.)

There are a number of standout performances throughout the play: wives #2 and #3, Phoebe and Rita are hysterical in their own right, and some of the best moments come with the under-the-radar auditions that Holden’s agent Lane and the illhumored director Sidney Hightower (Michael Corcoran) hold in the adjacent apartment, and they are ones for the books.

First is the rough-around-theedges, aggressive but amiable Pepper (Aria Patterson), man- handling Holden as they run lines; the wonderfully over-thetop, chewing the scenery actress Ebony (Jaylee McClain); as well as the nerve-wracked and bashful Angel (Rachel Salamonca).

Avila’s stylish Vegas mobster Malone is a man driven by his passion (albeit misdirected), and even his thugs (played by Frank McCay and Russell Malang) are unusually charming, with McCay’s Monster being strangely sweet and Malang’s Weasel delightfully salty.

“One Wife Too Many” is a funfilled show with colorful and diverse characters, as well as some outstanding performances, and well worth braving the elements for, rain or shine.

“One Wife Too Many.” Jeremy Krasovic, Adriana Catanzarite and L. Ariana Rubio star in this madcap tale of one man’s Gordian Knot of relationships, and if he can extricate himself intact. Now playing through Jan. 29 at the Westminister Community Playhouse, 7272 Maple St, Westminster, CA 92683. Ticketing information available online at http://www.wcpstage.com, or call 714-893-8626.