REVIEW!
“The Naked Truth” Uncovers Hilarity at its Best. A Review by Christina Koomen. It truly was nonstop laughter opening night at the Footlights Theatre (Falmouth, ME) when The Naked Truth, written by Rich Orloff, exploded onto the stage with an unforgettable ensemble of five talented performers.
Award-Winning playwright, Rich Orloff, has written an extremely funny, clever, and sweet play about a strait-laced couple who inherited a clothing-optional resort in Key West. The colorful staff and a realtor with more than sales on his mind, brought a whole new meaning of life to the new owners (and the audience) as they discovered parts of themselves never before exposed!
First, I congratulate director Michael J. Tobin for directing a cast that was truly an ensemble. All five performers and tech operator, Brian Chadbourne, were very strong individually, but it’s their work as a sextet (pun intended) that was a true standout for this reviewer. Each performer embraced and supported the others, allowing for great comedic set ups and delivery.
Nick P. Soloway as George gave his best performance to date. His subtle delivery of the dialogue was well balanced with his over the top mugging that made an unlikable character actually lovable. The audience laughed at George’s issues with his newfound lifestyle but we also experienced the heartwarming epiphany of acceptance. Soloway’s ending monologue was an unexpected moment of tears and understanding for George- and the audience.
Like Soloway, Cheryl Reynolds gave her best performance to date. What the audience expected to be a dutiful and boring wife role, was subtly transformed into a woman with a voice and with real feelings of a woman wanting more from life and love. Reynolds smartly underplayed the role so that the unexpected transformation was all the funnier.
A fearless Leslie Chadbourne brought a laughable likability to Jane, the handy”man” with an unexpected second job. Chadbourne often gave the set up for the jokes, but when she held the comedic reigns, she never missed a laugh. Her costumed entrance for her second job was dominantly provocative.
There are no words for Michael J. Tobin and his performance as Clark, the gay concierge. You just have to experience it. Tobin knows how to make an entrance and his comedic ability to deliver a line and a look were like watching the drag personas of Milton Berle and Flip Wilson combined. I am still laughing at some of the things Tobin does on stage in this show, and so will you.
A new Footlights Theatre face took on the role of Fred, the sleazy real estate salesman. A delightful Jason Pelletier flawlessly looked and acted exactly like you’d expect this character to. He dripped with the perfect amount of likable goofiness and slimy smoothness that this role calls for. Pelletier’s seduction scene with Tobin was worth the price of admission.
The set, set dressing, and costumes were over-the-top and very appropriate for the play. No matter where you looked on the stage, there was something fun and unexpected to see.
If opening night’s near sell out crowd is any indication, this will be a huge hit, so reserve your seats now. You will probably want to see it again and bring friends with you. Yes, it is that good. Given the state of our country, this 85 minute comedy of nonstop laughter with its talented cast is the perfect escape.
The Naked Truth plays through May 17th, with performances on Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays at 7:30pm, and Saturdays at 2pm and 7:30pm. The cost is still a very affordable $20 ticket price. Footlights Theatre, 190 US Route 1, Falmouth, ME. Box Office (207) 747-5434. Walk-ins welcome. thefootlightstheatre.com
Christina Koomen is a professional theater reviewer from Virginia who visited Maine in 2020 and loved the Footlights Theatre show she saw so much; she has continued to write reviews of various productions when back in Maine taking care of her aging parents.

NOW thru MAY 17th
(Thur 7pm, Fri 7:30pm, Sat 2pm Matinee & 7:30pm) 
THE NAKED TRUTH
A Naughty Comedy by Rich Orloff
When a strait-laced couple from Ohio inherits a clothing-optional resort in Key West, they discover parts of themselves never before exposed! The colorful staff and a realtor with more than sales on his mind, brings a whole new meaning of life to the new owners. WARNING: This play contains rampant off-stage nudity! 

(***replaces the postponed "We're Sending You To The Nuns" originally scheduled)​

ANOTHER REVIEW! 

Want to laugh? Want to feel good? Want to have fun? Then get to Footlights Theater Thursday through Saturday, May 1 - May 17th to see The Naked Truth by Richard Orloff. Director Michael Tobin, who also plays the role of Clark, has delivered another hilarious yet poignant piece that delighted the very appreciative audience opening night. “ A comedy with no tan lines “ takes place at The Godiva Inn : “Where every guest is barely dressed”. Tobins’
clever costuming and creative set are once again perfect with many extra touches. The ‘Business’ Hours sign on the desk is yet another laugh for patrons as they leave the “certain to be” standing ovation at the end.
Fluttering in on sparkling feet finds Clark / Michael Tobin dusting and dancing to Judy Garland, flamboyant and fabulous. Tobin is in his element as the joke cracking naughty drag queen. As always, he does as much with his expressive face and body language as he does with the well crafted dialogue; “Oh, you’ll love it. Key West is like Disneyland
with a libido! “
Jane/ Leslie Chadbourne, as always, is spot on in her portrayal of Jane, the Inn’s handy lesbian. She and Tobin have a delightful romp throughout. They continually share hysterical one liners and comebacks making this audience roar with laughter. Chadbourne, a Footlights’ favorite, has perfect comedic timing. She captures the audience right away with her hang nail bit. And her other job? Well… This reviewer couldn’t help but think of Carol Burnett and Tim Conway as this comedy duo performed.
George/Nick P. Soloway and Liz/ Cheryl Reynolds a very straight laced couple from Ohio, arrive and are immediately floored by Tobin and Chadbourne’s antics. Soloway is hysterical in his bewilderment, as is Reynolds who is curious and adorably tintillated. We learn that Roger, the recently deceased owner of the inn, has willed it to George, his brother. Soloway is perfect, properly aghast and overwhelmed at the fact he is now in charge of a ‘clothing optional’ resort. Reynolds, a consumate actress, is a delight! She captures her audience’s heart from the beginning and throughout her flawless transition from meek to mighty. They are heartwarming together.
Although this script is very humorous, it also weaves in a great deal of sincerity and love. Show Business Weekly wrote, “The greatest strength of THE NAKED TRUTH is its ability to explore actual topics of substance, from sex roles in society to social roles in marriage, in a buoyant comedic framework.”
When George is determined to sell despite Liz’s wish to stay, he invites a prospective buyer. Fred/Jason Pelletier. a veteran actor, shines in his debut at Footlights. After his glasses get broken, Pelletier is hysterical as the myopic sex fiend. He finally sets his (blind as a bat) sights on Tobin. Later the frolics and antics between these two seasoned performers brings non stop laughter. “You must be I-talian!” stopped the show with the audience laughter.
This is a stellar production providing much needed laughter and love for all who attend. Do not miss this show! A gem, a light hearted lark, a thoughtful and comedic look at life, The Naked Truth by Rich Orloff is not to be missed.

Nancy Durgin freelance