UMKC Theatre put on a fabulous production of “The Government Inspector” from Feb. 20 to Feb. 22 in the Spencer Theater, creating a direct connection into a world of comedy and drama. This adaptation of the play was done by David Harrower.
“The Government Inspector,” written by Nikolai Gogol in 1836, is set in a small Russian town full of greedy government officials. Hearing that a government official is coming, the officials scramble to cover their tracks before the inspector arrives.
After finding out that someone has been staying in the town inn for two weeks, they jump to the wrong conclusion about his identity. This leads to some confusion from the “inspector” Khlestakov who is really just a low-ranking official from St. Petersburg. He starts to play into the mayor’s assumption after being given some money.
Under the direction of Stephanie Roberts, the play had a wildly humorous tone with elements of the dark greed and corruption underlying at all times.
From the beginning of the play, the strength of the actors in their roles is evident, with purposeful intensity and powerful character choices. The mayor, played by Meg Ellison, was both fierce and timid at once, creating a paradoxical feeling at times.
Khlestakov, played by Emma Sayler, fit into all the qualities of a farcical play: expressive facial and bodily gestures, long exaggerated speeches and passionate movements across the stage. When they took the floor, everyone listened intently and bent to their will.
They put physical comedy onto the stage, with Khlestakov asking for bribes and attempting to seduce the mayor’s wife and daughter at the same time. Khlestakov played all the cards just right to gain the upper hand in the situation and made his escape.
Mathew Tilsworth, who played Khlestakov’s servant Osip, was wonderful to watch as he worked through the frustration of being stuck with someone who gambled away all his money.
The mayor’s wife Anna, played by Ayla Clark, and their daughter Maria, played by Katelyn Hurd, both used a wide variety of vocal ranges and facial expressions to get their point and mood across. They showed their riches and spoiled nature with gorgeous multi-layered dresses.
The corrupt officials were played by Jacob Paine, Nathan Brushwood, Mackenzi Mason and Rain Parker, and were all fantastic with creating their own unique physical and visual performances within the larger show.
All the members of the cast made specific choices to accentuate their characters and made it all the more enjoyable to watch, though there were some confusing narratives that were present at different points. Everett Quiett, Cy Conaway, Oscar Phillips, Eduardo Sandoval, Kate Blanchard, Rozlynn Richert and Henry Walker played their roles with finesse and purpose.
The costume crew put together attire that reflected the time period well and looked fabulous. The set was perfect for the show with a blend right from the dingy inn where Khlestakov was staying to the fancy room he was given after. The drapery and the fabric work on stage looked as if they were done for nobility.
I cannot recommend this play enough, and this cast and crew put on a spectacular performance that checked all the boxes for a farce and kept the audience’s attention throughout.[email protected]
