Review: ‘The Psychic’ great comedic fun

STAN SHEEHAN/for The Van Wert independent

Strange things are happening at the Van Wert Civic Theater. There are uncanny premonitions, violent death, betrayals, and romance, all taking place in a New York City basement apartment. The Psychic, by Sam Bobrick, opened Thursday, November 10, and continues until the final Sunday matinee on November 20.

The action takes place in a homey apartment in New York, “homey,” if your idea of home is a dingy flat where you know the water is as cold as the landlord’s heart. A struggling writer, played by Brad Doner, hangs up a “Psychic Readings, $25” sign in his window. His first customer is a sad and conflicted young wife (Jewell Kurtz) of a cheating, debt-ridden husband (Lance Thompson) who becomes the second customer. Subsequent visitors include the mistress (Theresa Radabaugh), a mysterious gangster type (Gary Pace), and an erudite New York detective (Ed Eichler).

In the next several scenes, through some cute lines and running gags, we are made aware of the deaths of several characters. In the best tradition of Greek tragedies — and Van Wert Civic Theater comedies — the murders and sex all happen off stage. As each scene changes we are given musical cues, or perhaps clues, by references to the theme songs of television and movie mysteries, as well as more popular songs to put the audience in a “New York Murder State of Mind.”

The play is co-directed by Steve Lane and Mary Ann Falk, and they tease out many a twist in the plot and character as the audience works its way through this collection of characters. Local theatre afficionados are invited to come down and spend a few hours figuring out “who done it” in the company of attractive women and truly strange men. Rated “P” for “psychic” or “S” for phonetic spellers.

Now that All Hallows Eve has come and gone, it should be safe to come down and watch the psychic goings-on of this mystifying comedy.

To make a reservation to laugh, call 419.238.9689 between 2 and 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Or, if that sixth sense tells you to take a chance, just be at the theater at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday or at 2 p.m. for the Sunday matinees.