Buffalo, Niagara Falls featured in latest BLT production

In the opening scenes of “Wonder of the World,” Cass Harris walks out on her husband of seven years after she realizes her marriage as she knew it was a lie. With the hope of rediscovering her purpose in life, Cass flees to Niagara Falls. On the way, she forms an unlikely friendship with Lois Coleman, an alcoholic who plans to throw herself into Niagara’s torrent waters once they reach “the honeymoon capital of the world.”

Though it appears to contain heavy subject matter, Buffalo Laboratory Theatre’s latest production is actually a raucous comedy. Written by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire, “Wonder of the World” leaves the audience in stitches. As audience members catch their breath from laughing in the play’s few serious moments, they will reflect on the complexities of marriage and the role fate plays in life, or if it does at all.

Cass, played by BLT veteran actress Golde, is obnoxiously perky, much like a Barbie doll come to life, (Audience members will appreciate the twisted irony of this later in the play.) Co-star Katie White is also no stranger to the BLT stage. Her portrayal of the morose and suicidal Lois is both hysterical and heart-wrenching. Golde and White’s performances complement each other perfectly. While one struggles to obtain a firmer grasp on reality, the other slips further into insanity, as the witty plot moves faster than the Falls themselves.

“Wonder of the World,” also features some BLT “newbies,” including David Bondrow, who plays Cass’ quirky husband Kip, and Pamela Rose Mangus, who embodies the role of a shop-owner-turned-private-investigator named Karla.

“I’m very proud to be a part of this show,” said Bondrow, who has also appeared locally with the Irish Classic Theatre Company, Theatre of Youth and Shakespeare in the Park.

Mangus, who has performed with American Repertory Theatre and Lancaster Opera House to name a few, said she was particularly impressed with Director Taylor Doherty’s casting and vision for the play.

“When you have a room full of crazy comedians like us, you need a talented director to keep everyone in line,” Mangus said, laughing.

Equally a star of “Wonder of the World,” is the setting itself. Audience members will enjoy references to familiar locations and attractions, such as the Cave of the Winds and the Maid of the Mist, as well as talk of Buffalo, including a friendly poke at the city’s police department.

Midway through its fifth season, things have never looked better for the Buffalo Laboratory Theatre. In addition to attracting local patrons, the Southtowns-based professional theatre company draws theatergoers from beyond Erie County.

Self proclaimed “theater nuts,” Kathie and Rick Helmich traveled to Hamburg all the way from Cattaraugus County after finding the play tickets on Groupon.com.

“The presentation and the theater were fantastic,” said Rick Helmich, referring to the Swan Auditorium at Hilbert College, where all of BLT’s productions are held. Before the show the Helmichs enjoyed dinner at Mason’s Grille 52 in the Village of Hamburg. The couple plans to return for future BLT performances.

“I think they are doing a great job,” said Kathie Helmich of BLT. “This is more than just ‘local’ theater.”

Others, like David Wittmann of Lackwanna, rarely miss a BLT show.

“I’ve been coming since they have been performing,” Wittmann said, adding that he strives to attend at least three BLT plays each season. “I love the acting and directing, the cost is reasonable and the location couldn’t be better,” he said. “BLT has a lot of spirit.”

Remaining performances of “Wonder of the World” will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Swan Auditorium on the Hilbert College Campus on Thursday, Feb. 16 through Saturday, Feb. 18 and Thursday, Feb. 23 through Saturday, Feb. 25. For more information, call the box office at 202-9033 or visit www.buffalolabtheatre.org.