Jitters

There didn't appear to be any opening night nerves at Dartmouth Players. The cast of David French's backstage comedy Jitters were in fine form, and the real play appeared to go off without any of the calamities that befall the cast of the fictional play. Jitters is perfect fare for small amateur theatre, despite the need for  an intricate scene change before Act II, which was, in fact, handled beautifully. It's difficult to single out actors in such a short review, and as the play points out, potentially divisive, too, but I'll risk it. The young Jacob Nissen has great potential as a comic actor, but needs to deliver his lines more slowly. Ian MacDermid deserves special mention for bringing to life the charming gormlessness of Phil, the needy actor, and Ruth Flemming should be commended for making the diva Jessica seem real and likable. ---Kate Watson