By: Sultana F. AliContributing Writer
Jeff Culbert of Ausable Theatre (London, Ontario) does Orlando a favor by touring his adaptation of the 1916 Don Marquis writings on the endearing characters of Archy & Mehitabel. With only lighting and music as his supporting cast, he plays both Archy, a poetic cockroach who ponders humanity, and Mehitabel, a bohemian alleycat who is always a lady), with affectionate enthusiasm.
He cowers beneath the lights as he shuffles around the stage as Archy, espousing epithets on the relationship of humans and their insect "friends." Or perhaps that is the problem, as he comes to determine; humans simply cannot even see insects as the marvelous creatures they are, with annoying crickets as the exception. Mehitabel is always there to pull her cockroach friend from the depths of his devouring thoughts. She is fierce and unyielding in her absolute mission to enjoy all life has to savor, no matter the situation; a lesson all of humanity can benefit from.
Culbert fully embodies these unlikely friends with their mannerisms and riveting contemplations. You cannot help but to become entranced by his performance that is nothing short of extraordinary. Archy & Mehitabel is a treat. Do yourself a favor and buy a ticket to see one of Culbert's last three performances in Orlando.
