By Christopher Joseph
Dad’s Place–A Farce is a compilation of family life lessons cleverly packaged and delivered in its world premiere, debuting at Dayton’s Human Race Theater Company.
Two Solid Performers
Starting their 40th anniversary season with a bang, this humorous and engaging two-hour play flows smoothly until it delivers a gut punch at the end. Written by Jake Lockwood and directed by Joe Deer, the production features just two actors. Jason Podplesky is Paul, a successful man in his 50s living in Los Angeles who travels across the country to help his father. Bruce Cromer, as Karl the father, sorts through his accumulated life belongings. Cromer faces the added challenge of juggling multiple roles, including that of a lowly delivery driver, an overzealous superintendent (who prefers to be called ‘Soup’), an obnoxious, coddling aunt, and an inconceivable window washer who relishes the theoretical, among others. His multiple presences create a comedic entanglement that distracts both Paul and the audience, making us laugh while we forget the play’s overall premise.
Relatable Story
Under the guise of taking a break from Hollywood to live in a temporary apartment and focus on his writing, Paul embraces decluttering even as he dreads sorting through his father Karl’s belongings, who struggled with excessive hoarding. Faced with the conundrum of either keeping or discarding mementos, old trophies, and lingering disputes, Paul and his father must learn to let go of all the baggage and embrace life despite the hurdles. Dad’s Place is full of clever, familiar double innuendos and messages once you get past all the amusing chaos. The ending will pleasantly shock and surprise you, making clear what everything was leading up to.
Overall an Enjoyable Show
Podplesky brings familiarity and knowledge to his role as Paul, embodying the quintessential middle-aged man—prosperous yet still connected to his simpler childhood. He’s most comfortable in his element creating new stories and clearly expressing his confusion as he navigates his latest challenges. Meanwhile, Cromer keeps pace, making it look effortless despite challenging his inner split personalities by playing many roles at high speed and with precision. His roles make the story engaging, thanks to their undeniable chemistry and shared appreciation of good coffee.
Production Elements
The well-crafted set and wardrobe designs are highly detailed, featuring rich architectural elements, including blemishes in the paint on the walls, which are typical in older city dwellings. The beautiful windows evoke the feel of mid-twentieth-century developments, offering different viewpoints from Paul’s to Karl’s vantage points. The transition from Paul’s stark, empty apartment to Karl’s cluttered one after the intermission feels very believable, especially since they are tenants in the same building. Particularly impressive is the movable window scaffolding that surprises as a secret second entrance to the set, designed by Dick Block, with lighting by Matthew P. Benjamin, and Prop by Sarah Gomes. Molly Walz’s costume designs are especially engaging, being both believable and highly flexible for Bruce to perform his quick changes. I also appreciated the shared design elements that enhance the experience provided for audience members in the lobby.
New Lobby at Human Race
Speaking of the lobby, kudos to Kappy Kilburn, Emily Wells, and everyone involved for completing their refurbished space with the new modern, updated look that is visually appealing. I miss the window garden, but I understand the added maintenance. (Now, they should also think about updating the outdated bar.) It promises to be an excellent season for the team, starting with a great show and a fresh new look.
Get Tickets for Dad’s Place
Dad’s Place-A Farce, produced by Human Race Theatre Company, runs until September 14. Performances are at Dayton’s Loft Theatre. For tickets go to: DAYTONLIVE BOX OFFICE.
Shows begin at 7:30 PM, except on Sunday, September 14 curtain is 2:00 PM. Also on September 14:
- PARENTS’ DAY OUT • You watch the show, and we’ll entertain the kids (ages 5-12) with a world-class theatre workshop (a $100+ value) that is free with the purchase of your tickets.
- WHILE WE’RE ON THE SUBJECT • A candid, post-show conversation with cast, thematic experts
