What real-life celebrity wouldn't be proud to claim the success reached by P.G. Wodehouse's fictional character, Jeeves? This impeccable English valet has triumphed in basically every medium, including film, TV (including the relatively recent "Jeeves and Wooster" series starring Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie of "House" fame), books and the stage (the 2001 Broadway musical "Jeeves," with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber).
In Milwaukee, Jeeves Intervenes - based on this famous character and his employer, Bertie gives Milwaukee Chamber Theater the first hit of Milwaukee's fall theatre season. However, one must note that British humor isn't to everyone's taste. A noticeable number of audience members trickled out of the theatre during intermission on opening night. The decision was their loss, as the talented cast turned out a delectable comic treat.
Director Tami Workentin puts a seasoned cast through its paces with admirable skill. Comic timing was a bit of an issue in the first act, but it eventually hit the mark as the actors settled into their roles. As Jeeves, actor Matt Daniels has turned the raised eyebrow into an art form. Completely unruffled even when chaos erupts around him, Daniels has mastered the seen-it-all deadpan comic delivery that Jeeves demands. We conclude early on that Jeeves is the brains of this bunch. In addition to keeping his employer smartly dressed for every occasion, Jeeves comes up with solutions to every scheme dreamed up by Bertie (Chris Klopatek) and his chum, Bassie (Rick Pendzich).
These former schoolmates attempt to maintain their carefree, playboy lifestyles despite the efforts of Bertie's meddling aunt, played magnificently by Laura Gordon. Described by her nephew Bertie as a complete monster, Gordon ensures that Aunt Agatha earns the reputation. Her "other half" is an elderly uncle of Bassie's. Named Sir Rupert Watlington Pipps, he orders people about as though he is still on the military battlefield. As this buffoonish character, longtime Milwaukee actor Peter Silbert puts every ounce of himself into this role. A master of stage business, Silbert would steal the show without the equally outrageous antics of Gordon as Aunt Agatha. These actors are a wonderfully matched pair.
The rest of the cast keep the tone lively and upbeat, including Gertrude, the young girl that Aunt Agatha hopes to foist off on her "numbskull" nephew. Bertie's attempts to suppress Gertrude's admiration are gems. It's a bit odd that her buttoned-up demeanor is catnip to Bassie. He immediately falls head-over-heels in love with this dowdy ingénue. She is not similarly impressed.
Events build to a fever pitch as the schemes play out to various conclusions, with Jeeves pulling the strings to ensure that all turns out well.
Enhancing the production are Kim Instenes' costumes (particularly those worn by the women, Bertie and Peter Silbert's outlandish get-up) and the upscale Mayfair flat designed by Aaron Dyszelski.
