Pa Playhouse's production of "Clean House" is a Must See.

Clean House written by Sarah Ruhl and directed by Tim Brown

Pa Playhouse

Run Dates: June 7,8,14,15,16,20,21,22,23

A walk into a living room, a walk into a glimpse of humanity from an ocean view, and a ride through the crazy and quirky emotional road of life is what you’ll experience at Pa Playhouse’s production of “Clean House” written by Sarah Ruhl and directed by Tim Brown.

As you enter the playhouse’s stage you are welcomed into the exquisite living room of Lane and Charles, played by Amy Cramer and Nick Englesson.  The set is beautifully designed by Dan Lewis and brings to life, in a sharp crisp manner, the characters deep unraveling -and at times quirky and hysterical- journey.  The set provides a great use of space and is strongly designed to take you to two different homes, the ocean and yes my friends even Alaska. You immediately feel as if you’re right in their living room. Great job on the set design and construction. Fabulous use of space especially the balcony and dream scenes.

At the start of the show you are introduced to the Brazilian housekeeper played by  Kelly Rohrbach.  Kelly’s dynamic, funny and charismatic expressions immediately sets the tone of the show.  Kelly’s performance is entertaining, flawless and truly dynamic.  She brings “Broadway talent” to the scene each time she walks on stage.

Throughout this enticing and engaging show the characters unfold and embrace you into their world.  Amy Cramer, who plays Lane, runs the range of the human emotional spectrum with such finesse and ease.  Taking us from uptight, over worked, and under appreciated doctor to a human who far exceeds levels of compassion to lend aid to another. Her performance is outstanding.

Charles, played by Nick Englesson, is a doctor who finds love and will scale the mountains and the frozen tundra of Alaska to keep it.  Nick Englesson’s performance is charming, engaging, funny and endearing. 

A bond is truly evident amongst all the characters and each performer carries their part.  The sister conflict between Lane and Virginia, played by Laura Sweeney Riker,  is vividly executed.  Laura’s performance, as the neurotic depressed and under appreciated housewife, lends outstanding support to the storyline and to her sister Lane’s character.  Laura skillfully masters the rant of a pent up a frustrated middle-aged woman.

Rounding out the cast is Ana, played by Jan Labellarte.  She’s Charles’ love interest.  Jan’s ability to lend a realistic approach to her character’s situation is a true testament to her expertise as an actress.  Her soothing and endearing treatment of the Brazilian housekeeper displays a mothering like quality that wraps you deeper into the story.

Under the direction of Tim Brown these characters effortlessly change the setting not only in location but in time.  The only suggestion is to watch the timing and pausing in some areas.  The movement of scenery worked well and the lighting plot was beautiful.  A few lighting moments were off and at times an actor was in the dark, but I’m sure as the show is performed those very small issues will be worked out.

So if you are looking for a great evening out, want to escape from your own reality for awhile and enjoy the crazy, endearing experiences presented in “Clean House” then take a trip to the PA Playhouse located on Illicks Mill Road in Bethlehem, PA and catch this show.  It’s a must see. Show runs from now until June 23rd.  For more info check out www.paplayhouse.org

Thank you to the cast, crew, director, technical and set designers and house managers for an enjoyable and thought-provoking evening.