Hollywood royalty comes to life in Chattanooga Theatre Centre comedy

For all who love the theater and the celebrity associated with those who dominate the stage and screen, the 1927 Broadway masterpiece, "The Royal Family," written by George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber, gives a spark of nostalgic lunacy with insight into an acting dynasty.

A comedic look, some say based on the Barrymore family, this satire spans the three generations of unforgettable acting and outlandish obsession with the predestined life of narcissism and the craving for attention in the sharing of the craft.

For the production by Chattanooga Theatre Centre, Director Patrick Sweetman chooses a cast of characters that certainly lives up to the motto "live and die by the theater."

Fanny Cavendish, the spirited matriarch of the family, is brilliantly portrayed by Kitty Reel, who captures the essence of the relentless pursuit of her "calling"; even unto death the spirit of the stage and the show must go on. Her presence on the stage exudes the command that her character has over an audience and ultimately the command she has over her family.

The second generation of Cavendish thespians is represented by Fanny's daughter and son, Julie, played by Kendra Gross, and Tony, played by Jim Eernisse. Gross is elegant in her portrayal of the leading-role Broadway star. With the characterization of this torn victim, she is able to share how her love of theater demands sacrifice far beyond the norm.

With obvious parallels, Eernisse creates the worldly-but-spoiled Tony, a Hollywood film star in a believable adventure. His facial expressions give him away, as Eernisse is physically able to share his character without, in some scenes, having to say a word.

In her rendition of Gwen Cavendish, the daughter of Julie, Megan Cobb skillfully reinvents the third-generation actor, allowing the audience to see through the emotionally immature character with the physical liveliness and youthful folly of what Kaufman and Ferber wanted the audience to experience.

Two other characters who do a great job and supply a great deal of the laughs are Mike Pala as Julie's Uncle Herbert and Tosha Kranz as Herbert's wife, Kitty. Whether it be the continual arguing, the relentless appetites or the excessive attempts to remain young for the stage, both Pala and Kranz give hilarious performances.

For a poignant, comedic experience and a great look at the lunacies of the life of actors, the production of "The Royal Family" is a lighthearted event for all theater enthusiasts. With beautiful sets and period costumes, the Chattanooga Theatre Centre creates a whimsical adventure spanning generations past and present.