Cast:
Stephanie Dunnam
Jim Covault
Amber Guest
John S. Davies

Director, Jim Covault
Additional Direction, Jerry Russell
Scenic Painting, Jon Kruse
Set Design, Jim Covault
Crew, Diane Deuson
Costume Design by Peggy Kruger-O-Brien and Jim Covault
Lighting Design by Michael O'Brien
Props/Set Décor by Lynn Lovett

*REVIEWED 11-21-09 PERFORMANCE

REVIEWED BY Laurie Lynn Lindemeier. Associate Theater Critic for
for John Garcia's THE COLUMN

__________________________GOOD THINGS___________________________

"Second Hand Rose Gets One More Chance in Good Things"

Stage West theatre's "Good Things," is a lovely feel good romantic comedy. The
action takes place in a thrift shop which has been authentically designed with
racks of used clothing and shelves of knick-knacks. The intricate set made the
perfect background for the never ending variety of characters who paraded
through each scene.

Jim Covault, the director and set designer performed six different roles. He
takes multi-tasking to a whole new level. His most convincing character was
gentile Frazier, a soft-spoken admirer of Susan, his thrift shop co-worker,
played by Stephanie Dunnam.

The audience gets plenty of laughs watching the main character, Susan, a recent
divorcee, relate her speed dating experiences and dealings with her teenage
daughter. It is also touching to watch the mother and daughter relationship
struggle, persevere and heal. The cunning way the play is written never allows
the audience to see the character of the daughter. We experience her through her
mother's emotions as she speaks to her on the phone.

Seeing ex-husband Tony, played by Jim Covault, and Susan, eventually cooperate
to raise their teenage daughter was heart warming.

To further warm your heart and jumpstart your holiday spirit, the audience sees
a Christmas tree in the opening and closing scenes. As the show begins Frazier
chats with Susan while taking down the tree. In the closing Christmas day scene
the playwright wraps up the loose ends for Susan, however, in a predictable way.

The most comical character was the constantly returning customer, Doris, played
by Amber Guest. Ms. Guest excels as this over-the-top goofy personality. Her wig
with a stick-my-finger-in-an-electric-socket look was hilarious.

The use of many wigs to help the same actors become different characters was in
general successful with the exception of the obviously feminine long hair wig,
with curly tendrils, worn by the ex-husband, Tony. Nonetheless, Jim Covault's
portrayal of the character was believable, curly locks and all.

John Davies portrayal of David, the customer and possible suitor of Susan was
the hands-down best performance. His acting was authentic and natural.

Watching this performance in a second hand shop gives the audience a hope that
people too can be successful in second chances in life. Although a thrifty
production with multiple characters played by the same actors, Stage West pulls
it off well.

REVIEWED BY Laurie Lynn Lindemeier. Associate Theater Critic for
for John Garcia's THE COLUMN

__________________________________________________________________

GOOD THINGS
Stage West
Through November 29th

www.stagewest.org, located on 821 W. Vickery, Ft. Worth, TX 76104. Box Office
817-784-9378.