Albion’s “Absent Friends” features incisive comedy, strong cast

Albion Theatre is continuing their latest season with a work by one the UK's most prolific playwrights. Alan Ayckbourn's “Absent Friends” is a comedy with dark undertones, examining the relationships among a group of friends in 1970s England. As directed by Albion's artistic director Robert Ashton, it's a precisely paced showcase for an impressive cast of local performers.

The play follows the story of a group of old friends who are involved in several awkward situations, including suspicions of infidelity, as well as social aspirations, personal grief, and strains on longtime friendships, all handled with at least an attempt at the veneer of British politeness as Diana, played by Nicole Angeli, prepares for a tea party welcoming back visiting and grieving friend Colin, played by Ben Ritchie. Diana is married to Paul, a somewhat haughty successful businessman played by Jason Meyers, but she's having doubts about his fidelity in the marriage, suspecting him of an affair with Annalise Webb's somewhat frosty Evelyn, who is married to their friend John, played by Mike DePope. Diana's friend Marge, who is played by Anna Langdon, tries to encourage Diana and question Evelyn, but soon the frequently restless John arrives and the awkward waiting begins. When Colin finally arrives, he's eager to talk about his late fiancée Carol, whom none of the group had a chance to meet.  What ensues is an astute examination of the state of the various relationships, including marriages, friendships, and business connections, as well as a look at ambition, mortality, and social obligations in British society. It's all so deliberately plotted and paced, with excellent use of long pauses in dialogue, unspoken reactions, and the occasional well-placed vocal outburst.

The cast is well-chosen, led by Angeli in an expertly measured performance as the suspicious, gradually unraveling Diana. Ritchie is also memorable as the grieving but affably intrusive Colin. Meyers, as the upwardly mobile, emotionally clueless Paul, is also strong, as is Langdon as the somewhat Pollyanna-ish Marge. DePope, as the always-moving, insecure John, and Webb as the snarky Evelyn are also excellent. Ensemble chemistry is essential in a story like this, as the various interactions and personality differences are the source of much of the comedy, as well as the tension. It's all paced with precision by director Ashton, and the players work together well.

The costumes, by Tracey Newcomb, are notable highlight on the technical side, with much attention paid to the details of 1970s fashion, and the characters are outfitted ideally according to their personalities. Erik Kuhn's set is also impressive in its period style and décor. The lighting by Michelle Zielinski, props by Gwynneth Rausch, and sound by Jacob Baxley also contribute well to the overall atmosphere of the story.

“Absent Friends” is classified as a comedy, and there's a lot of humor here, but there's  a fair amount of drama simmering below the surface, as well, and occasionally emerging in an explosive manner. This is a well-crafted show set in a specific time and place, although it features several timeless themes. It's another intriguing production from this still relatively new theatre company.

Performances of “Absent Friends” continue at the Kranzberg Arts Center until June 25. For more information, visit the company's web site.