Playwright Mark Wilding notes in the program for Theatre West’s “The Goddamn Couple Down the Hall (Oh…. and Merry Christmas!)” that he wanted to write a play to shake up the drab theatrical offerings around Christmas time.
The result is a comedic murder-mystery wrapped around a family drama. Wilding likens it to Alfred Hitchcock’s film Rear Window, except that instead of a dapper Jimmy Stewart and elegant Grace Kelly, an embattled family must solve the case.
“The Goddamn Couple Down the Hall (Oh…. and Merry Christmas!)” delivers on all counts in a small yet impressive production. The play is set in interior designer Dana’s (Liv Denevi) sleek mid-century apartment (designed by Jeff Rack), that is itself the subject of pride, ire and comedy throughout.
Dana’s family is joining her and her loyal fiancée Chad (Cecil Jennings) for Christmas. After Dana’s mom (Jill Remez) and dad (Steve Nevil) offer a large sum of money to pay for her wedding, Dana’s younger sister Sydney (Sam Gregory) devises a plan to take the money for herself and her dufus of a boyfriend, played by Dave Kumar.
As the family fights over money while trying to enjoy Christmas, the neighbors obnoxiously argue next door, threatening to ruin whatever shred of holiday joy the family has left. When the arguing suddenly stops, the family’s attention turns to sleuthing. Has there been a murder? And if so, who is the victim?
Many will find this holiday gathering true to life: a family struggling to quash the tension and simply enjoy Christmas. When the family isn’t your own, the experience is much more enjoyable. And Dana’s family is hilarious. This foul mouthed and sarcastic group makes the 100-minute show fly by, and the mystery plot keeps one guessing until the end.
Adding to the mayhem, Lucinda (Presciliana Esparolini) is a funny addition to the family dynamic as she flirts her way into making matters worse for the feuding couples. John Combs somehow makes the parade of laughs even funnier as the oblivious yet earnest Officer Hoyt.
Director Charlie Mount does a great job with movement to emphasize the comedy; actors and objects fly across the stage and often break. The performance as a whole would only be improved by an increase of pace. The script is begging for a film adaptation that would solve that issue with editing.
Nonetheless, “The Goddamn Couple Down the Hall (Oh…. and Merry Christmas!)” makes for a very enjoyable holiday outing that feels both familiar and fresh at the same time.
“The Goddamn Couple Down the Hall (Oh…. and Merry Christmas!)” continues at Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Los Angeles, through Dec. 15, with performances Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. For tickets and information, call the box office at (323) 851-4839 or visit theatrewest.org. Run time is 100 minutes, with no intermission.
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