Theater review by Jackie Houchin

A play with such an astonishing name is bound to be humorous, and the new comedy at the Sierra Madre Playhouse is just that. This production is an adaptation of Carl Sternheim's original Die Hosen, by no less than the famous comedian, actor and humorist, Steve Martin.

Set in Dusseldorf, Germany in 1910, the story opens during a parade where a crowd has gathered to get a glimpse of the King. Instead, quite a few of them get a glimpse of something else!

Poor Louise (played by the pert and pretty Amanda Jaros) has a "wardrobe malfunction" more daring in those days that the infamous Super Bowl fiasco of a year ago.

While waving enthusiastically at the passing King, a carelessly tied knot results in her underpants plunging to her ankles. Quickly she steps out of them, stuffs them beneath her cloak and runs away. But not before several "gentlemen" haveeyed them.

Louise's husband, Theo (the very talented James Jaeger) is an uptight civil servant who fears that gossip about her "indecency" will cost him his job. "My job and your foolishness don't go together," he cries. Ever worried about finances (the reason they cannot have a baby...or even try for one), Theo decides to rent out their spare room.

Very soon men begin to arrive, wanting to rent the room. Colin Kramer plays Frank Versati, the dashing poet-playboy whose smooth ways and silver tongue cause Louise to swoon.

A second man, the complete opposite of Versati, arrives with the same intention - that of viewing the lovely Louise's bloomers again. This hypochondriac Jewish fellow (Cohen spelled with a "K") is played by Eric Rummel, whose delightful performance quickly charms the audience, if not Louise. His jealously serves to "protect" Louise's honor while her husband is at work.

A brazen neighbor ( Tracy Casadio) urges Louise to take advantage of her would-be lovers and goes so far as to sew a new set of silk and lace underpants to help her along.

However plans go awry and Louise nearly causes a third renter - the elderly scientist, Klinglehoff (played by Barry Schwam) - to have a stroke when she misinterprets his intentions. Meanwhile Theo happily collects the rent and finally decides it's time to have a baby!

It's not until the arrival of the King (played by the towering Richard Leppig), that things come to a head. His Majesty also desires the room (and the bloomers) and offers Theo the job-security he desires. The result is not so surprising, as it is perplexing.

"The Underpants" is a frothy, light-weight German play that will tickle funny bones and titillate the modest (it's rated PG-13 for mild, suggestive humor). It might not have you rolling in the aisles, but it will surely elicit chuckles and guffaws!

It plays now through April 19; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. There will be no Sunday performances on March 23 or 30.

Admission is $20 for adults and $17 for seniors 65 and older, and students.

Call 626-256-3809 for reservations.

The Sierra Madre Playhouse is located at 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd in Sierra Madre (in a lovely "village" area). Abundant free parking is located behind the theater.

Note: In connection with this production, the Playhouse will be contributing to the Downtown Women's Center, a non-profit organization that provides services to homeless women and children on LA's Skid Row.

Anyone attending a performance of "The Underpants" who brings a donation of a pair (or package) of women's or children's underwear - unopened, original package - will receive a free refreshment at intermission.