Fools Review – Ridiculously Funny

When Neil Simon wrote FOOLS, he allegedly tried to create a play which would be a sure flop on Broadway because, in a divorce agreement with his ex-wife, he promised her all the profits from his next play. Whether apocryphal or note, his next play, FOOLS, was first produced on Broadway in 1981 and lasted only 40 performances. After its dim theatrical history, FOOLS was later adapted into three stage musicals (1984, 1990, and    ). The most recent musical adaptation – with book and lyrics by Neil Simon and music and lyrics by Phil Swann and Ron West – finally captured more sustained audience interest. In 2024, the Kentwood Players present FOOLS, Simon’s first attempt at a soundly silly piece.

Miles Garcia and Lyndsay Palmer – Photo by Gloria Ramirez-Plunkett

The place is Kulyenchikov, a remote village in the Ukraine, and the time is 1890-ish. FOOLS pits ignorance against genius and wit as new schoolmaster Leon Tolchinsky (Miles Garcia) journeys to the Ukrainian village of Kulyenchikov to become the tutor for Sophia (Lyndsay Palmer), the beautiful daughter of the town’s physician, Dr. Zubritsky (Jon Sparks) and his wife Lenya (Alison Boole). Within moments after his arrival, Leon begins to suspect that something is not right in Kulyenchikov. Everyone in the town seems to be dimwitted at best, including the lovely Sophia and her parents.

Jon Sparks, Alison Boole, and Lyndsay Palmer – Photo by Gloria Ramirez-Plunkett

Then Leon discovers that a curse has been placed on the residents of Kulyenchikov. The 200-year-old curse was leveled on them by a mysterious count seeking vengeance for his son’s suicide after the young man’s offer of marriage was rejected by his true love’s father because the poor boy was not well read. Leon should pack up and leave the hopeless situation immediately – except for his new-found love for the pretty but stupid Sophia. Can the curse be listed? If so, how? These are questions which he must explore – and quickly, since he is fated to become an idiot himself after 24 hours in the doomed town.

Jon Sparks, Alison Boole, Miles Garcia, and Lyndsay Palmer – Photo by Gloria Ramirez-Plunkett

Talented and savvy director Jeremy Palmer has helmed FOOLS with a sure hand, perfect timing, and the clever use of pauses and blank stares to produce a hilarious, laugh-a-minute comic experience for the highly entertained audience. The excellent cast gets right into the spirit of the tale and becomes ridiculously more stupid by the moment. The production crew hopped right on the bandwagon with a set to accommodate all of the dopiness (designed by Shawn Plunkett), gorgeous costumes (designed by Kim Peterson), and masterful sound (Susan Stangl) and lighting (Daniel Mitchener). This is one of those shows in which everyone involved seems to be having the time of his life. Besides that, it’s a show which is family friendly.

Lyndsay Palmer – Photo by Gloria Ramirez-Plunkett

FOOLS will definitely appeal to audiences seeking light-hearted summer fare written by a famed word-master and deftly presented with just the right approach by all the creatives involved. There are no profound messages to be had – but sometimes laughter really is the best medicine.

FOOLS poster – Courtesy of Kentwood Players

FOOLS runs through August 10, 2024, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. The Kentwood Players perform at the Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Tickets are $25 (seniors and students $21; $10 rush tickets may be offered at select performances 30 minutes before curtain). For information and reservations, call 310-645-5156, email the box office, or go online.