‘Desk Set’ turns back the clock

Tom Titus

For those of us who can’t imagine a business world without computers,

William Marchant’s 1950s-era comedy “The Desk Set” probably won’t

strike much of a chord, but for those who were dragged kicking and

screaming into the electronic age, it’s a play steeped in nostalgic

warmth.

It’s also steeped in a good deal of excess verbiage, at least in

its first act. And, though it checks in at a respectable two hours,

much of the giddy chatter among the four women who man the reference

library at a radio and television studio could easily be excised

without irreparably damaging the plot.

There are two brightly comic moments in “Desk Set” -- the

well-lubricated office Christmas party and the ultimate faceoff

between the computer nerdette and the brainy researchers, who’ve been

answering Jeopardy-type questions for years. In between, Marchant

scattered a good deal of throwaway dialogue and lame subplots.

Nevertheless, the Huntington Beach Playhouse -- which staged this

play back in the early 1960s, when it was fairly relevant -- has come

up with a chuckle-inducing, if not outright hilarious, revival of the

comedy best remembered as a movie vehicle for Katharine Hepburn and

Spencer Tracy. Directors James W. Gruessing Jr. and Michelle

Calhoun-Fitts (who also doubles onstage as one of the stalwart

researchers) have fashioned an attractive production while retaining

the flavor of the period.

Molly Dewane glides through the Hepburn role of the research

department chief who must butt heads with a “methods engineer” (don’t

call him an efficiency expert) recruited to modernize the operation.

Does that mean pink slips all around? Well, yes and no. In any

event, Dewane brings a knowing sparkle of easygoing credibility to

her role, particularly when acing the visitor’s “tough test” of

intelligence.

The interloper, a bespectacled, no-nonsense company man (he’s the

boss’ nephew), is interpreted with a proper air of authority by David

Rusiecki, who manages to deal with the opposition of the working

force as deftly as he does the predatory advances of an office

Marilyn Monroe look-alike (Charity Royanne). Rusiecki skillfully

keeps the audience, as well as the office workers, out of the loop

regarding his ultimate intentions.

Calhoun-Fitts shines as a brassy blond researcher quick with a

quip. Theresa Brown and Heidi Hurst are fine as her office comrades,

with Hurst particularly appealing as a young, insecure employee.

Stephen Saatjian reflects a brusque charm as Dewane’s love interest,

who keeps her guessing until the final scene.

Stealing her few scenes in the play’s payoff segment is Mary-Pat

Gonzalez as the giggling geek brought in to operate the huge

computer.

Her high-pitch laugh is a bit over the top, but it meshes nicely

with the final comic thrust.

Other effective performances are turned in by Matthew Dodd as the

likable mailroom boy, R.E. (Bob) Goodwin, doubling as a company man

and a newspaper reporter, and Gerald J. Reyes as the company’s legal

eagle.

On opening weekend, a patron whose number was drawn for a cameo

appearance also shared the stage -- and since it was veteran actress

Kip Hogan, who won an award at that same venue two seasons ago -- the

production hardly suffered as a result.

Those seasoned enough to recall the poem “Curfew Shall Not Ring

Tonight” will especially appreciate Dewane’s rendition of it in the

pandemonium-packed climactic scene. Dewane also designed the

1950s-specific costumes, while co-director Gruessing fashioned the

bright office setting.

The Huntington Beach Playhouse’s production of “The Desk Set” will

particularly appeal to those who recall the era of mammoth computers

and their perceived threat to human resources.

The rest can enjoy some pleasing ensemble performances, once the

“filler material” of Marchant’s script is dispensed with.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.