By Larry Sacks

 

Mr. Pim Passes By, written by A.A. Milne, long before he ever thought of Christopher Robin or his friend Winnie the Pooh, opened at the Triton Museum’s Hall Pavilion on Friday night.   “Mr. Pim” is another production of The Tabard Theatre Company.  Regular readers of the paper will remember The Tabard Theatre Company’s name from last year’s highly acclaimed A Taffeta Christmas.  Although the two shows can hardly be more different from each other, this show will not disappoint you.

 

Mr. Pim Passes By offers a peek into a “proper English household” that doesn’t need “futuristic curtains” – set in England in 1920.  The English feel is given a good start by Anne (Elizabeth Lowe) in her portrayal of the maid.  Her accent and intonation are spot-on for a maid in a “proper English household” of that era.  The show follows the antics and interactions of Dinah (Lorie Goulart) and Brian (Brandon Hemmig) who want to marry, but first Brian must win the approval of Dinah’s stodgy Uncle George (Dirk Leatherman).  Brian, it seems, is not only a socialist but also an artist who, much to the chagrin of Uncle George, paints “square clouds and triangular seas”.  Fortunately for Brian and Dinah, George’s wife Olivia (Leslie Hardy Tamel) is on their side.  Olivia has her own sights set on sprucing up their place and on putting up new curtains.  Mr. Pim (John A. Leslie) bumbles his way into their affairs through a simple mistake but with uproarious results.  His interaction with the family causes all sorts of consternation but gives Olivia the main arguments she needs to help love in its quest over practicality. 

 

The Triton Hall Pavilion is a cozy theater.  As an audience member, you’re right there with the action as the stage is no more than 15 feet away.  This coziness adds to the show since you almost feel you are eavesdropping on the affairs – dare I use the term, sordid? – of your neighbors. 

 

In many ways, watching a production of Mr. Pim Passes By should be required for all psychology and logic classes.  The way Olivia takes Uncle George’s words and thoughts and twists them around – all without changing their meaning is quite masterful.  If Olivia were a real life character, I would feel sincerely sorry for any candidate for Santa Clara Council attempting to debate her.  It is through her use of logic and psychology that she is able to have her way with George.  All the while George, at times, doesn’t realize until too late, just what’s happening.

 

Tea Time! is offered during the first of two intermissions.  Traditional English Tea or American Tea (aka coffee) is offered for sale along with a proper English Cucumber sandwich, scones and cheesecake from Charlie’s Cheesecake Works. 

 

One unusual aspect of the production is that Olivia, in the midst of redecorating the house, has offered several pieces of furnishings for sale via silent auction to The Tabard Theater Company.  Everything from a floor rug, to a wall hanging, pictures, a first edition of “The Sheik” and even an original Brian Strange painting – with an amazingly low starting bid of $15 but considered “priceless” by many in the art world. 

 

Mr. Pim Passes By runs through September 16, with shows selling out fast.  This is a great show and this weekend will be the last time you’ll be able to see it, so act now and don’t miss out.  There are showings on Thursday night, September 14 at 8pm, Friday night September 15 at 8pm and Saturday, September 16 at 3pm and 8pm.  Ticket prices are $20 with discounts available for seniors and students.  Additionally, discounts are available at these San Jose locations:  Borders Santana Row; Case Handyman & Remodeling, 6081 Meridian Avenue; Charlie's Cheesecakes, 1179 Redmond Avenue; Oakridge Printing, 958 Blossom Hill Road.  You can also find discount tickets at Signs By Tomorrow, 3437 De La Cruz Blvd in Santa Clara and in a Silicon Valley Community Newspaper.

 

For more information on The Tabard Theatre Company, visit their website at http://www.tabardtheatre.org/