Love… or Best Offer

By
Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros
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A NoHo Arts theatre review of the Group Rep’s production of Love… or Best Offer, written by Phil Olson, directed by Doug Engalla, produced by Aly York, and running through March 19 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre.
L-R Stephanie Colet, Doug Haverty. Photo by Doug Engalla.

[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre review of the Group Rep’s production of Love… or Best Offer, written by Phil Olson, directed by Doug Engalla, produced by Aly York, and running through March 19 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre.

All my dusty memories of dating boil down to either the comic or the tragic…present husband accepted of course. So when I read the show description of Love…or Best Offer, I felt that if I focused hard and took my brain meds I could probably relate. Also, I have single friends who regale me regularly with their horrifying dating updates. 

This excellent play centers around two people dipping their reluctant toes in the insipid dating pool. Stan, rich and recently divorced, and Cheryl, a widow and not at all sure anyone could live up to her late husband.  Stan has a habit of falling too fast and Cheryl is the complete opposite. She keeps Stan at arm’s length, torturing him with online dates until she gets over her fear of losing someone, again, by almost losing him.

A NoHo Arts theatre review of the Group Rep’s production of Love… or Best Offer, written by Phil Olson, directed by Doug Engalla, produced by Aly York, and running through March 19 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre.
L-R Kathleen Delaney, Stephanie Colet. Photo by Doug Engalla.
A NoHo Arts theatre review of the Group Rep’s production of Love… or Best Offer, written by Phil Olson, directed by Doug Engalla, produced by Aly York, and running through March 19 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre.
L-R Doug Haverty, Marc Antonio Pritchett. Photo by Doug Engalla.

It’s a very sweet concept made all the sweeter by some very clever writing and some wonderful and endearing performances by the hilarious cast. Not quite a farce, but some really funny setups and quite brilliant one liners. However, the cast is what makes Love… or Best Offer all work so well.

The words will only ever be as good as the delivery after all!

The Group Rep just keeps getting better and better! 

A NoHo Arts theatre review of the Group Rep’s production of Love… or Best Offer, written by Phil Olson, directed by Doug Engalla, produced by Aly York, and running through March 19 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre.
L-R Doug Haverty, Marc Antonio Pritchett. Photo by Doug Engalla.

And their lovely artistic director Doug Haverty makes a triumphant return as Stan. His deadpan delivery was genius! But then everyone is fabulous and utterly perfect for their roles. What a fantastic surprise this quiet show is.  

How very clever of Group Rep to treat us all to such a warmly funny and genuinely memorable show! Bravo!!!

Love… or Best Offer runs on Saturdays and Sundays at Group Rep through March 19…get your tickets now! I highly recommend it!!

A NoHo Arts theatre review of the Group Rep’s production of Love… or Best Offer, written by Phil Olson, directed by Doug Engalla, produced by Aly York, and running through March 19 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre.
L-R Stephanie Colet, Doug Haverty. Photo by Doug Engalla.
A NoHo Arts theatre review of the Group Rep’s production of Love… or Best Offer, written by Phil Olson, directed by Doug Engalla, produced by Aly York, and running through March 19 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre.
L-R Kathleen Delaney, Stephanie Colet. Photo by Doug Engalla.

Tickets:

https://thegrouprep.com/show/love-or-best-offer/

Where:

10900 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601

The Cast

The cast features the talents of Stephanie Colet (Cheryl), Kathleen Delaney (Lori), Doug Haverty (Stan) and Marc Antonio Pritchett (Dave).

The Team

Production/Creative Team includes Olson/Engalla (Set Design), Douglas Gabrielle (Lighting Design), JC Gafford (Sound Design/Assistant Director), Art and Soul (Graphic Design), John Ledley (Stage Manager), Kristin Stancato (Online Marketing); Denise Downer, Michael Gabiano and Jackie Shearn (Social Media) and Doug Engalla (Promotional Video and Photography).