TheatreMcLean recently completed their exhibition of “Don’t Drink the Water”, and it was a very successful attempt.

“Don’t Drink the Water” is a political comedy written by acclaimed playwright and screenwriter, Woody Allen. It is set in the 1960’s in an American embassy in an unnamed Communist country.

The play follows the Hollander family, an American family who is forced to seek refuge in the embassy and eventually escapes. The Hollanders are loud, brash and stereotypically American.

Walter Hollander , is a Newark based caterer with a loud voice and even louder opinions. His wife, Marion Hollander, is a kind-hearted native New Jerseyan with a strong, loud accent. Their daughter, Susan is fun-loving young woman with a mod styles that is perfectly set against the strict set of the embassy.

TheatreMcLean portrayed the embassy as a serious and relatively organized place which strongly contradicts its temporary leader, Axel Magee, a scattered man with good intentions (and Susan’s love interest).

The embassy set itself was very impressive. It was a unit set, meaning it remained stationary throughout the whole of the play. The actors performed on the set, utilizing its staircase, hallway, window, and multiple doors.

The decor of the set was heavily influenced by the 1960’s. There were cliché 60’s paraphernalia, a taxidermy-ed deer head, and a large portrait of President Lindon B. Johnson that perfectly summed up the time period and mood of an actual embassy. However the paint, an unpleasant light green, was somewhat distracting from the acting.

TheatreMcLean should take pride in the acting talent present in this production. There were two casts who went on for “Don’t Drink the Water” and I was only able to see one cast, but they certainly did not disappoint.

A favorite performance was Kristen Waagner’s portrayal of Marion Hollander. She captured her amicable spirit very well and managed to execute a strong Jersey accent that didn’t overshadow her character.

Other highlights include Eli Wassertzug’s Axel Magee, Ruby Larimer’s Susan Hollander, and Abby Comey’s nun, Drobney.

Overall the show was entertaining and fun. Remind me not to get trapped in an embassy in an unfriendly country.