Seaside Rep's 'Fuddy Meers' is a hit

Seaside Rep's ‘Fuddy Meers' is a hit

By Deborah Wheeler

debbie_wheeler@link.freedom.com

Seaside Repertory Theatre's production of "Fuddy Meers" may well be its best venture yet.

The comedy/drama's intriguing, fast-paced and well-executed plot offers no opportunity for minds to wander.

The theater's executive director Craige Hoover's excellent casting can be credited for much of the play's believability.

Veteran Seaside Rep actor Kevin Boyles offers a stellar and poignant performance as mentally-challenged Millet and his talking puppet.

Equally compelling is Jill Stapleton Bergeron's portrayal of Gertie, the mother.

Cast in the lead as amnesiac Claire is Rep newcomer Lacey Morgan Renteria. Renteria brings to the stage a solid background in regional theaters and commercials in St. Louis, Chicago and New York. She moved to the area last year.

David Hopkins as the limping man, Dustin Harding as Richard and David McElwee as Kenny share the male top billing with Boyles.

Hopkins is a veteran not only of Seaside Rep productions, but also of the television soap opera "The Guiding Light." He moved to South Walton following 9/11 and teaches at the Montessori School.

Hoover said Hopkins and Renteria have a stage presence and charisma that is hard to find.

"You cast the best actors and the audience will buy in," he said, which has been backed up by audience reaction.

"Audience reaction to ‘Fuddy Meers' has been fantastic," he said. "Many folks come back to see it more than once."

The play, written by American playwright David Lindsay-Abaire, was directed by Mark Robinson and is performed Wednesday through Saturday nights through July 26. Show times are 7:30 p.m. at the Seaside Meeting Hall Theater. For tickets call (850) 231-0733 or visit www.seasiderep.org.