One Man, Two Guvnors

Francis Henshall is very, very hungry. Ravenous, in fact. So when the chance arises to work for two bosses, get fed and paid by both, he takes it. But keeping his employers unaware of each other proves challenging for the none-too-sharp Francis. To this mix, the high-energy comedy "One Man, Two Guvnors" adds a dead gangster, an arranged marriage, an aspiring actor, a cross-dressing sister and a fugitive planning an escape to Australia. All in all, a chaotic and potentially confusing combination.

Fortunately, in the skilled hands of playwright Richard Bean, what emerges is a play that gallops headlong into some of the funniest moments you're likely to experience in theater in a very long time.

First staged at Britain's National Theatre in 2011, "One Man, Two Guvnors" experienced critical acclaim and commercial success in London's West End and on Broadway, receiving seven Tony nominations in 2012, with James Corden (as Francis) winning for best actor.

That's quite an act to follow. Luckily for Bay Area audiences, Berkeley Repertory Theater's production is right on the mark. Admittedly, Director David Ivers is working with terrific material, but he definitely manages to make the most of it.

In his hands, "One Man Two Guvnors" is a fast-paced farcical romp that channels some of the best aspects of British humor. Combining slapstick, silliness, moments of real wit, some deadpan delivery and a several snippets of social commentary, it will have you chortling throughout. During several particularly hilarious scenes you'll laugh until you cry.

Loosely adapted from Carlo Goldoni's 18th century masterpiece, "The Servant of Two Masters," which took place in Venice, "One Man, Two Guvnors" is set in the seaside town of Brighton in 1963 -- a place and an era on the cusp of enormous change. In a nod to the past, the music that accompanies the play is provided by a "skiffle" band (a style of music popular in pre-Beatles Britain), while the dialogue often looks to the future with references to "women's libbers," oblique mentions of Sydney Opera House (opened in 1973), and a tongue-in-cheek speech about the compassion and peace Britons should look forward to when a woman finally becomes Prime Minister.

But really, "One Man, Two Guvnors" is all about the present moment: in the impeccable comic timing of main man, Dan Donohue, who, as Francis creates a likable scoundrel whose motivations are no more than his immediate needs (food at first, sex once he's been fed).

As his love interest, Dolly, Clair Warden is utterly compelling, playing a savvy and sexy woman who's not afraid to embrace her own appetites. Both Brad Culver and William Connell stand out among the company, each playing men whose romantic ambitions seem in jeopardy, while the rest of the ensemble flawlessly execute precise comic interplay with exceptional skill.

And the musicians in the band definitely deserve a mention. They set the lively mood right from the beginning, keep the energy up during the intermission, and their delightful renditions of the songs (written for the play by Grant Golding) punctuate the narrative with great effect.

After an exhilarating comedic high at the conclusion of act one, the production does lose some of its juice in the second act. And at over two-and-a-half hours, it does start to lag as it winds up the various plot strands. Still, there are some laughs to be had all the way to the end. And though this is likely a play whose characters or insights won't stay with you for any length of time, you'll feel buoyed by its humor for a very long time to come.

"One Man, Two Guvnors" runs through June 28 at The Berkeley Rep, 2025 Addison Street in Berkeley. For information or tickets, call 510-647-2949 or visit the theater's website