Eric Pfeffinger Pits Red vs. Blue States in Pregnancy Mix-Up

by Robert M. Gardner

The  plot of “Human Error” revolves around a mistake made by a blundering fertility doctor who implants  an embryo in the wrong woman. Much laughter ensues as the two couples try to resolve the improbable situation.

Their problems are not over as when they go to give birth because the inept Dr. Hoskins (versatile John Charles Quimpo) surprises them with another impossible blunder. This doctor is everyone’s worst nightmare.

At the University of Michigan, Keenan (urbane Mark Anthony), a researcher, and his academic wife Madelyn (brilliant Flannery Mays) are anxious to start a family. When they discover the doctor’s error, they drive to Ohio to meet the couple carrying their embryo.

Liberal Keenan and Madelyn arrive at the suburban home of Jim (boisterous Kyle Goldman) and Heather (sparkling Melody Payne), an arch-conservative couple.

The Ohio and Michigan couples discovers they are complete opposites in everything: football, abortion, and guns. Jim proclaims: “I’m processing this, bro. Whew. Wow. ….  It’s like …. finding out you’re like a socialist.” His naïve remarks get big laughs.

Their differences in opinion reappear when Jim suggests going to a comedy show. Politically correct Keenan complains: “Ah! Laughing, yes. At what? A caricatured representation of someone who isn’t them?” Jim counters: “It’s just so typical—you guys are super tolerant of everyone as long as they think just like you.” The show abounds with biting humor and clever dialogue—digging deep into our fixed conceptions of the “other.”

The two wives are similarly opposed in their beliefs. Heather tries to convince Madelyn to try yoga, but Madelyn is into New Age meditation. Madelyn does not really fit into the suburban housewife role but tries to be understanding. Predictably, the question of abortion vs Right to Life becomes an issue.  A strange point of disagreement considering that both have consented to trying surrogacy to have a child.

Like our present national political conflict, they find themselves at odds with based on political beliefs. We have experienced brothers and sisters against family, neighbor against neighbor—all with the fervor of rabid sports fans. Hilariously, the University of Michigan battles Ohio State-—blue versus red.

Scenic Designer Alexander Graham impresses us with curved side-curtains that change colors to match characters’ moods. Lighting Designer Adrian Gilstrap uses lighting to whisk us from doctor’s office to hospital to a lavish home. Director Richard Perez sets the perfect fast pace for this raucous comedy.

Two couples find a surpising reconcilation, despite the heavy odds. We wonder whether we all can step back and smile, finding new ways to accept differences in others, no matter how opposed.  Be sure to visit Town Hall for a healthy dose of laughter—at ourselves.

 

“Human Error” by Eric Pfeffinger, directed by Richard Perez, scenic design by Alexander Graham, costumes by Nia Jacobs, sound by Michael Kelly, lighting by Adrian Gilstrap—at Town Hall Theatre, Lafayette, California. Info: townhall.org – to September 14, 2024.

Cast: Kyle Goldman, Flannery Mays, Mark Anthony, Melody Payne, and John Charles Quimpo.

Banner photo: John Charles Quimpo, Flannery Mays, & Mark Anthony. Photos: Jay Yamada