Romantic Hijinks and hilarious misunderstandings at westport country playhouse's theatre people
By Kiersten Bjork (April 1, 2025)
Theatre People, the newest play from Connecticut native Paul Slade Smith, is playing at Westport Country Playhouse now through April 12. A delightful, self-referential comedy that sings the praises and woes of those in the theatre industry, from actors to writers, Theatre People is adapted from Ferenc Molnár’s Play at the Castle, and Westport audiences may remember it from its Script in Hand playreading in 2023. The current production marks the show’s East Coast premiere as a fully staged piece. The play is an uproarious farce, set in a gorgeous Newport mansion, and is filled to the brim with romantic hijinks and hilarious misunderstandings. Though the first act was a bit slow at times, the second act had the audience laughing from start to finish without a breath in sight. Westport’s production is directed by artistic director, Mark Shanahan, who infuses the piece with added humor via clever staging, with support from assistant director Anissa Felix.
Theatre People follows playwrights Charlotte and Arthur Sanders as they arrive in Newport with novelist Oliver Adams, who is smitten with Broadway actress Margot Bell. The three writers are in town to see Margot’s concert, which also allows Oliver to finally share his book with Margot, which is based on his love for her. The only problem is that once they arrive at the mansion, chaos ensues as it becomes clear that Margot is not at all who Oliver thought she was and Broadway star Victor Pratt throws a baritone-sized wrench in things. Toss in a disgruntled housekeeper with a strong dislike of “theatre people,” and it’s a recipe for an extremely amusing night at the theatre. With love, sanity, and of course, a Broadway show on the line, Theatre People reminds us with a smile that there’s no one quite like theatre people.
Theatre People, the newest play from Connecticut native Paul Slade Smith, is playing at Westport Country Playhouse now through April 12. A delightful, self-referential comedy that sings the praises and woes of those in the theatre industry, from actors to writers, Theatre People is adapted from Ferenc Molnár’s Play at the Castle, and Westport audiences may remember it from its Script in Hand playreading in 2023. The current production marks the show’s East Coast premiere as a fully staged piece. The play is an uproarious farce, set in a gorgeous Newport mansion, and is filled to the brim with romantic hijinks and hilarious misunderstandings. Though the first act was a bit slow at times, the second act had the audience laughing from start to finish without a breath in sight. Westport’s production is directed by artistic director, Mark Shanahan, who infuses the piece with added humor via clever staging, with support from assistant director Anissa Felix.
Theatre People follows playwrights Charlotte and Arthur Sanders as they arrive in Newport with novelist Oliver Adams, who is smitten with Broadway actress Margot Bell. The three writers are in town to see Margot’s concert, which also allows Oliver to finally share his book with Margot, which is based on his love for her. The only problem is that once they arrive at the mansion, chaos ensues as it becomes clear that Margot is not at all who Oliver thought she was and Broadway star Victor Pratt throws a baritone-sized wrench in things. Toss in a disgruntled housekeeper with a strong dislike of “theatre people,” and it’s a recipe for an extremely amusing night at the theatre. With love, sanity, and of course, a Broadway show on the line, Theatre People reminds us with a smile that there’s no one quite like theatre people.
Rodolfo Soto, Michael McCormick, and Isabel Keating in Theatre People at Westport Country Playhouse, 2025 (T. Charles Erickson)
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Isabel Keating, Erin Noel Grennan, and Michael McCormick in Theatre People at Westport Country Playhouse, 2025 (T. Charles Erickson)
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Charlotte Sanders is played by Isabel Keating. Westport audiences may remember Keating from her performance in A Sherlock Carol a few months back, and she is a joy to watch once more in this production. Keating is a force to be reckoned with, both in terms of character and performance. She delivers a fiery energy throughout, her role laced with determination and zeal, a true theatre person to the very end. She will save this relationship, and this play, and she will do it in less than 24 hours with no sleep. Charlotte is unstoppable, and Keating conveys that conviction and dedication beautifully.
Opposite Keating as Arthur Sanders is Michael McCormick. McCormick rises to meet Keating’s enthusiasm with a charming pessimism that has plenty of one-liners ready to go. McCormick’s calculated dryness solicits laughter in practically every scene, particularly as he plays opposite the fierce positivity of Keating. The two are a terrific pair.
Erin Noel Grennan practically steals the show as the constantly-scowling Olga. From the moment she enters, her physical and vocal choices alone have the audience beginning to laugh, and the volume only increases from there. Grennan masterfully balances deadpan delivery with entertaining grumpiness, drawing the eye in each and every scene that she is in. Every dramatic sigh of “theatre people” in which you can practically feel her annoyance, draws a smile. The culmination of the play, in which we see breaks from that grouchy exterior, is truly hysterical.
Lovestruck Oliver is portrayed by Rodolfo Soto. Poor Oliver has his heart all but shattered, and Soto does a great job bringing us from the giddy writer to the curled-up-on-the-floor-sobbing young man once he’s been crushed. Soto brings out the comedy with his different stages of grieving his lost love, even going so far as to begin to eat the contract for his Margot-inspired book. Paired with Keating and McCormick as they try to console him, invigorate him, or hide him, the trio have created some wonderful moments of comedy gold.
Rounding out the company are Mia Pinero as Margot Bell and Michael McCorry Rose as Victor Pratt. Though we only hear their voices in the first act, Pinero and Rose come out swinging in Act II, infusing the performance with added energy and humor. Pinero is stunning, her choices intentional and refined, with Rose playing off her with a deliberate, over-the-top style that exudes the “Broadway’s leading baritone” title that is pinned on him repeatedly throughout the show. The two “actors” of the theatre people, they deliver the needed extravagance to play up their roles, while also ensuring that the jokes land perfectly. Pinero and Soto are also an endearing pair, with their moments of intimate eye-contact and shared glances that touch the audiences’ hearts.
Opposite Keating as Arthur Sanders is Michael McCormick. McCormick rises to meet Keating’s enthusiasm with a charming pessimism that has plenty of one-liners ready to go. McCormick’s calculated dryness solicits laughter in practically every scene, particularly as he plays opposite the fierce positivity of Keating. The two are a terrific pair.
Erin Noel Grennan practically steals the show as the constantly-scowling Olga. From the moment she enters, her physical and vocal choices alone have the audience beginning to laugh, and the volume only increases from there. Grennan masterfully balances deadpan delivery with entertaining grumpiness, drawing the eye in each and every scene that she is in. Every dramatic sigh of “theatre people” in which you can practically feel her annoyance, draws a smile. The culmination of the play, in which we see breaks from that grouchy exterior, is truly hysterical.
Lovestruck Oliver is portrayed by Rodolfo Soto. Poor Oliver has his heart all but shattered, and Soto does a great job bringing us from the giddy writer to the curled-up-on-the-floor-sobbing young man once he’s been crushed. Soto brings out the comedy with his different stages of grieving his lost love, even going so far as to begin to eat the contract for his Margot-inspired book. Paired with Keating and McCormick as they try to console him, invigorate him, or hide him, the trio have created some wonderful moments of comedy gold.
Rounding out the company are Mia Pinero as Margot Bell and Michael McCorry Rose as Victor Pratt. Though we only hear their voices in the first act, Pinero and Rose come out swinging in Act II, infusing the performance with added energy and humor. Pinero is stunning, her choices intentional and refined, with Rose playing off her with a deliberate, over-the-top style that exudes the “Broadway’s leading baritone” title that is pinned on him repeatedly throughout the show. The two “actors” of the theatre people, they deliver the needed extravagance to play up their roles, while also ensuring that the jokes land perfectly. Pinero and Soto are also an endearing pair, with their moments of intimate eye-contact and shared glances that touch the audiences’ hearts.
Mia Pinero, Michael McCorry Rose, Erin Noel Grennan, Rodolfo Soto, Michael McCormick, and Isabel Keating in Theatre People at Westport Country Playhouse, 2025 (T. Charles Erickson)
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Isabel Keating and Michael McCormick in Theatre People at Westport Country Playhouse, 2025 (T. Charles Erickson)
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Scenic design by James J. Fenton is beautifully done. The show is set within a glamorous Newport mansion, and Fenton has created a gorgeous space for the show to live within. The box set features numerous doors (which are commented on repeatedly by the performers as they break the fourth wall), classy furniture, artwork, and more to evoke the lavish interior of the mansion. There are a variety of great props from prop supervisor Anya Kutner.
Lighting designer Alyssandra Docherty employs practical lighting in the space with candles on the walls and lamps in the room and gives the show a very realistic style throughout. The overall look is brightened and darkened to help convey time of day and passage of time. Sound design by Jill BC Du Boff is solid, with a strong balance throughout.
Costumes by designer Annie J. Le are reminiscent of the time period in which the show is set and also provide strong reflections of the characters themselves via their garments. I absolutely loved Margot’s red dress in Act II! Wig, hair, and makeup design by J. Jared Janas is excellent.
Lighting designer Alyssandra Docherty employs practical lighting in the space with candles on the walls and lamps in the room and gives the show a very realistic style throughout. The overall look is brightened and darkened to help convey time of day and passage of time. Sound design by Jill BC Du Boff is solid, with a strong balance throughout.
Costumes by designer Annie J. Le are reminiscent of the time period in which the show is set and also provide strong reflections of the characters themselves via their garments. I absolutely loved Margot’s red dress in Act II! Wig, hair, and makeup design by J. Jared Janas is excellent.
Erin Noel Grennan, Isabel Keating, Michael McCormick, and Rodolfo Soto in Theatre People at Westport Country Playhouse, 2025 (T. Charles Erickson)
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Isabel Keating in Theatre People at Westport Country Playhouse, 2025 (T. Charles Erickson)
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Theatre People is a humorous production that reminds us of the magic of theatre. From fourth-wall-breaking comedy to a heartwarming romance, it’s a wonderful production that will have you leaving the theatre with a smile on your face. Don’t miss Theatre People at Westport Country Playhouse – see it now through April 12, 2025!
Theatre People plays March 25-April 12, 2025, at Westport Country Playhouse in Westport, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at westportplayhouse.org/show/theatre-people or by calling the Box Office at (203) 227-4177.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
Theatre People plays March 25-April 12, 2025, at Westport Country Playhouse in Westport, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at westportplayhouse.org/show/theatre-people or by calling the Box Office at (203) 227-4177.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.