When faced with all the horrors of the nuclear arms race, atrocities of war, and the disorder that is American politics, the Running Dog Productions manages to pull together a lively, truth-telling, and brilliant comedy filled to the brim with wacko characters and laugh-out-satire.
Leonard Wibberly’s play “The Mouse That Roared,” based on a novel titled The Wrath of Grapes, confronts the issues of the Cold War head on, but from a unique perspective: the imaginary and miniscule European country known as the Duchy of Grand Fenwick. When California is revealed to be creating knock-off ‘Pinot Grand Fenwick’ wine, Fenwick’s only export, the small country has no choice but to retaliate.
The Duchess Gloriana the Twelfth herself was encapsulated beautifully by the marvelous and majestic Miranda Ridgley. You’d be hard-pressed to find an actress more capable of mixing regality with relatability at this school. The audience is immediately drawn in from her initial bask in a purple glow to her final royal exit.
Opposite Ridgely, in the role of Fenwick’s Prime Minister Count Mountjoy, Graham Neel commands the stage with authority and assuredness. These two talented actors showcase the struggles of an entire nation with just the right touch of satire.
The production’s extensive immersive feeling wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for the collaboration of Construction Crew Head Eamon Dunne and Scenic Painting and Design Crew Head Jessica Kirschner. Their construction and design of a life sized Fenwick’s castle and oval office launch the play into a sweeping view of 1960s and mid-century Europe. Dunne’s and Kirschner’s meticulous research comes together in a way that manages to masterfully clash captivating with cartoonish through every single set piece.
Set and Design weren’t the only departments who perfectly captured the 1960s spirit and culture. Lead actress Miranda Ridgely pulled double duty alongside RDP’s other Costume Crew Head Ashleigh Allen as they worked tirelessly to make every single outfit from the President of the United States down to anti-war protesters fit the intended time. This is best seen through the altruistic hero of the story, Tully Bascom, embodied by Bobby Downing, who selflessly goes to war against the Americans. Downing’s portrayal of Bascom’s compassionate and naive nature was mirrored flawlessly by his woodland dress.
The most eccentric, idiosyncratic, and absolutely zany duo from the show was brought to life beautifully by Ian Brown in the role of General Snippet and Ayden Brook as Professor Kokintz. Deftly switching between hilarious war-related antics to poignant observations regarding the contradicting nature of nuclear weaponry, this duo captures the cadences of reality during the Cold War era by representing the tensions of the time.
RDP’s cast and crew did a phenomenal job bringing “The Mouse That Roared” to life in an engaging way. The show will run performances on Nov. 14, 15, and 16 at 7:00 p.m. and at 2:00 pm on Nov. 16 at the prices of $9 for students, $12 for adults, and free for all LCPS staff, which makes this play an affordable must-see comedy for anybody who enjoys a good laugh on Cold War commentary.
