[[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre review of Los Angeles Pierce College Theatre (LAPC)’s A Flea in Her Ear, David Ives’ new adaptation of Georges Feydeau’s classic farce.
To round off their very successful 2025/26 season, LAPC, in their infinite wisdom, selected a farce written a century ago. A Flea in Her Ear is infamous in its ridiculous dramatizing of jealousy, infidelity, and the French bourgeoisie of the turn of the 20th century in all its passionate glory. David Ive’s new translation feels as if it might bring the language a little up to date, but leaves the story firmly in France.
A Flea in Her Earis very firmly farcical. The characters are loud, French and absolutely incapable of any real logical thinking. The story revolves around a wife, Raymonde’s presumption of her husband Victor’s infidelity when he suddenly ceases his interest in performing his usual conjugal duties. To Raymonde, this naturally implies that he must be getting his fill, as it were, elsewhere. She hatches a plot to ensnare the cuckold, and of course, it’s one upset after another. A misunderstanding, a mistaken identity, a steady acceleration of the absurd, furiously cascading into regret, forgiveness, joy and relief. All this onstage action takes its audience mercilessly along for the ride, and quite the ride it is!
This is a very long play. But then the French never do seem to get to the point quickly…I am English. So I can attest to that. However, these thoroughly enthusiastic and insanely talented actors’ energy keeps the story alive and well through three acts and two intervals. By the end of the performance, they bring the story home with panache, spirit and a remarkable sense of irony.
A Flea in Her Ear is a phenomenal finale to a wonderful season of plays from the absolutely brilliant LAPC. It’s a huge cast, wonderfully attired, fluidly stage and shiningly performed. The energy from stage floods the audience and keeps everyone laughing and wincing and highly entertained!
We must support our local theatres, of course, but even more important, we must support our burgeoning artists fresh to the performing world, keen to make their mark and find their own unique place. LAPC always brings an element of risk to the shows they select. But isn’t that wonderful! They don’t take the road more travelled. They pursue art in their own deeply adventurous way, and it pays off every single time!! Bravo!!
I can hardly wait to see what they gift us next!!!
Where:
LAPC Theatre
6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills
When:
May 8-17
Friday and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm
Tickets:
The Cast
The cast features Haley Anglin, Grant Asner, Derick Cano, Toben Chapman, Terri Chase, Elana Cozma, Samantha Desowitz, Layla Fatullayeva, Leo Gael, Jayson Hernandez Guzman, Afshin Katanchin, Deven Martinez, Luke Mena, Carl Miller, Rocco Perdenza, Loki Ponce, Rubi Puente, Daniela Ruvalcaba, Felix Ryan and Tori Swick.
The Team
LAPC Theatre’s production is directed by Esdras Toussaint.
The production features scenic design by Edward Salas, costume design by Charley Ramos, lighting design by Michael Gend and sound design by DJ Medina. Hex Nahas is the stage manager.