Theater Review: Drama Guild’s ‘Cactus Flower’ A Delightful Rom-com

 Julian Winston wants to have it all. This single middle-aged dentist is relishing a carefree romance with 21-year-old Toni. Toni is aware of his unavailability and has accepted his lie that he’s married with three children. But soon her frustrations culminate in a desperate suicide attempt, triggered by their doomed relationship. In response, Julian claims that his wife has consented to a divorce. Now, Toni wishes to meet his wife, leaving Julian in urgent need of a spouse! 

 Can a cactus flower? Absolutely, and you'll witness this unfold in the delightful “Cactus Flower” at the Chatham Drama Guild. While you might assume the story centers around the dentist and his young girlfriend, it's truly about his nurse blossoming into the person he should be with. The amusing antics of how they get to this realization, which the audience is privy to from the get-go, is what makes the show so entertaining.

 The play was written by Abe Burrows, who is no stranger to Broadway with credits on either writing, doctoring or directing many hits including "Guys and Dolls” and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” Chatham Drama Guild’s production will make you want to again watch the 1969 movie, which starred Walter Matthau, Ingrid Bergman and Goldie Hawn. Director Anna Maria Johansen’s casting of the three principal characters is spot-on, especially Shannen Dando as Nurse Stephanie Dickinson. Dando has the same luminosity as Bergman. It’s a joy to watch her transformation. Susanna Creel is an outstanding Toni; the young actress captures her youthful charm and a naivety that flirts with brilliance. Matt Gardner as Julian Winston effectively portrays the unraveling of his comfortable world with manic hilarity. 

In true rom-com fashion, a fantastic supporting cast enhances the story. Patrick Preston is adorable as Toni’s smitten neighbor Igor Sullivan. Amy E. Cole is hilarious as patient Mrs. Durant, while Andrew Haber delivers a charmingly slick performance as the greasy Senor Sanchez. Tim Moynihan is very convincing as Winston’s deadbeat friend Harvey Greenfield, and Ann Frechette’s short but memorable appearances as Harvey's girlfriend bring plenty of laughs. 

 Behind the scenes, the Guild's executive director Pam Banas doubles as stage manager and costumer. The costumes were great and added to the progression of the characters in the show. The soundtrack was perfect for the era and compiled by Don Howell; the projections for the scene changes are credited to Howell, too. Scott Hamilton’s set design transformed from the dentist office to Toni’s apartment to a nightclub (complete with a disco ball!) with ease. Rachel Banas on both the light and sound board hit every cue perfectly. 

 The show is about two-and-a-half hours with a 15-minute intermission, plenty of time for a glass of wine or a cocktail from the Guild's in-house bar. The interesting space has cabaret seating along with rows of comfortable seats. This is a great show to experience the Chatham Drama Guild.