Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Come on down to Texas, you all and the current comedy dinner show at the Newport Playhouse. “The Lone Star Love Potion” by Michael Parker kicks off the 36th season for this theatre with a bang. Mr. Stancliffe, the owner of a vast fortune and a two hundred thousand acre ranch in Texas has passed away. His long time butler, Jarvis and the maid, Melody along with Patrice, Mr. Stancliffe’s only living relative are there for the reading of the will by the family lawyer, Mr. Oakfield. Also there is Patrice’s husband, Michael and a neighbor Tammy Jo who is also mentioned in the will. Later on a dowdy ornithologist , Mary Lou appears on the scene. It is a very rainy evening and they all are trapped in the house because the bridge is flooded by the rain. Also found in the safe is a secret love potion that makes whomever ingests it to become irresistible to the person who smells it. This becomes a prize wanted by many of them especially the very amorous, Michael who wants every woman in sight especially Melody, the maid. Throw in many pratfalls, mistaken identities and wrong lovers here and there and everywhere and you have the necessary ingredients for this hilarious farce. Director Daniel Lee White creates the shtick to leave the crowd laughing all night long. The first entrance of the maid is hysterical with her balancing a tray while tumbling over a sofa and never dropping a thing while doing so. He gives each performer their moment to shine in the show. Tonya Killavey and Jacob Davis create a gorgeous unit set of living room and bedroom that is so realistic that one longs to move in lock, stock and barrel.

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