On the Sly

• On the Sly 
• Reviewed by Steven McKnight

This is an amusing play that provides an interesting twist on the story of The Taming of the Shrew.  If you enjoy classic farce, On the Sly is a charming and polished little jewel.

When a drunken Sly disturbs a wealthy lady, she connives to have an acting troupe fool him by treating him as Lord of the manor when he wakes.  When the acting troupe presents a play for the enjoyment of the “Lord” he makes plot suggestions that cause the play to start spinning in new directions.

The cast keeps the comic energy high as they deal with multiple costume changes, the challenges of plot twists and cast doubling, and the lady’s need to keep Sly from using the play as a means of seizing some marital affection from his “wife.”  The characters also explain the conventions necessary to achieve the magic of theater and occasionally break the “fourth wall” to address the audience directly.

Alas, all of the mirth and merriment concludes too soon.  All I can reveal is that the play ends with a satisfied audience leaving the theatre with smiles on their faces. 

• Running Time:  50 minutes
• Tickets:  On the Sly
• Remaining Shows:  Sun, July 13 at 7:30 . Sat, July 19 at 5 . Wed, July 23 at 7 . Sun, July 27 at 4:30
• Where:  Warehouse, 1021 7th St NW