Comedy, romance, and just a dash of drama—Living on Love has it all! A classic screwball comedy at its finest, the play (written by Joe DiPietro and based on the play Peccadillo by Garson Kanin) follows the hilarious hijinks of a famous power couple and the ghostwriters they’ve hired to pen their respective autobiographies. When acclaimed diva Raquel DeAngelis (Mallory Newbrough) discovers that her husband, the feisty and often self-centered Maestro Vito DeAngelis (Wayne LeGette) has fallen for the sweet young woman (Amber Lynn Benson) he’s hired to ghostwrite his (mostly fictional) autobiography, she retaliates by hiring her own handsome ghostwriter (Jim Tyminski) to tell the tale of her illustrious career as an opera star. Completing this talented, laugh-out-loud funny cast are butlers Bruce (Jack Stein) and Eric (Matt Schenk), who just might have some secrets of their own. Sparks—and snow globes—fly as unexpected romances bloom and unforgettable stories are told amidst the chaos.
Wayne LeGette and Mallory Newbrough in LIVING ON LOVE at the Delray Beach Playhouse. Photos by Jerahmeel James.
Under the expert direction of Keith Garsson and co-production of Kevin Barrett, Keith Garsson, and Genie Croft, Living on Love is evocative of the perfect glass of champagne: sparkling, light, refreshing, and elegant from start to finish! Set in 1957 Manhattan, although the story only takes place in one location—the DeAngelis apartment—it never feels tired or stale, the quick, witty dialogue and the fast-paced plot keeping the audience hooked throughout. Each cast member delivers an impressive performance, making the characters likable even in their most out-of-touch moments. Newbrough shines as Raquel, the fiery diva who wistfully looks back on the glory days of her career, where she performed to sold-out crowds across Italy before going on to tour in cities like (here she grimaces) Fort Lauderdale. LeGette is equally entertaining as the Maestro, although his book just might leave a lot to be desired—after all, he’s only gotten through about two pages.
Jim Tyminski and Wayne LeGette in LIVING ON LOVE at the Delray Beach Playhouse. Photos by Jerahmeel James.
Benson perfectly balances the wide-eyed innocence with the sharp-eyed ambition of Iris Peabody, who dreams of graduating from assistant to editor at Little, Brown and Company. Tyminski is endearing and funny as Robert Samson, who longs to write “The Great American Novel,” but has been relegated to ghostwriter status for the time being. Finally, Stein and Schenk serve as a fun source of support as the pair of butlers, complete with their very own catchphrase: “…And there’s nothing you can do about it.” While the play is packed with humor, these characters feel like more than just punchlines—they’re fully realized people, with their own dreams and goals, and there’s no doubt that the audience will want to watch them succeed in both life and love.
Wayne LeGette and Amber Lynn Benson in LIVING ON LOVE at the Delray Beach Playhouse. Photos by Jerahmeel James.
Traveling back to 1957 NYC would certainly not be possible without the fantastic work of the crew. Scenic Designer Claudia Smith and Scenic Charge Artist Josh Cohen help the DeAngelis apartment feel both pristine and lived-in at the same time, down to every last detail; including the pair’s record player, baby grand piano, and extensive snow globe collection. Music lies at the heart of Living on Love, and Sound Designer David Hart helps bring those melodies to life, from the snippets of the operas that have cemented Raquel’s title as a bona fide diva, to the romantic standard “You Made Me Love You,” which plays a pivotal role in hers and Vito’s relationship. Of course, it’s the characters’ outfits that tell a story too, thanks to Costume Designer Timothy Charles Bowman—whether it’s an eye-catching dress or a dashing suit, each individual piece of clothing complies with the 50s time period and gives us more information about the characters. Every single crew member helps ensure viewers’ escape into the dazzling world of Living on Love, and by the time the show’s just-under-two-hour runtime comes to a close, viewers won’t want to leave just yet.
If you are in search of a play that will make you laugh, but will also make you think about ambition, fame, life, and, of course, love, Living on Love is a must-see! The sparkling chemistry between the characters and the witty script will put a smile on your face in no time. You have just under a week left to catch this heartwarming production—and you absolutely won’t want to miss it!
Living on Love runs at the Delray Beach Playhouse located on Lake Ida, through January 26. Purchase your tickets here.
Samara Smukler is a recent graduate of the University of Miami, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English (with a concentration in Creative Writing) and Psychology. Her work has appeared in a variety of student publications, including The Miami Hurricane newspaper and Distraction Magazine, the university’s premier arts and lifestyle magazine. More recently, she served as a Senior Editorial Intern for Girls’ Life Magazine, where she interviewed rising stars in the entertainment industry and reported on various topics in the pop culture, entertainment, beauty and lifestyle areas. She is thrilled to combine her passion for storytelling and love of theater as a writer for South Florida Theater Magazine!
