We all had imaginary friends at some point during our childhoods, friends possessing elaborate personalities who were our confidants, the repositories of our greatest fears, hopes and triumphs. But what if that friend were to suddenly reappear one day in adulthood.

 Such a rare occurrence is at the center of "See Dick," the witty and absurdly humorous new comedy by New Milford playwright B. Peter Hughes, which had its world premiere at the Sherman Playhouse last Friday night. Under the meticulous direction of Joseph Russo and with a seasoned cast of five, this comedy for grown-ups takes a classic idea and takes the audience on a hilarious journey with a contemporary twist. Having an imaginary friend has never been so irresistibly fun.

The story revolves around Jack (Aaron Kaplan), a 30-something living in a tiny studio apartment facing a professional, private and love life that leaves everything to be desired. He is a recent divorcee (following a two-month marriage), he cannot maintain a relationship, he's trapped in a dead-end job and he lives in a world of superhero collectibles and comic books. Life is not what Jack imagined it to be.

That all changes, however, when Jack arrives home one day to find a strange man-armed with a cap gun-in his apartment. Is he a demented drug addict? Is this a burglary? No. It's Jack's childhood friend Dick (James Hipp). But this isn't just any friend. Dick, it turns out, was Jack's imaginary friend, "the ghost of pre-puberty past," Jack wryly notes.

Add to Jack's already mounting aggravation his sister, Marcie (Quinn Uniacke), with whom he maintains a brusque relationship, and his current love interest, Cass (Katya Collazo), and Jack's outlook on life is pretty bleak.

As Mr. Hughes points out, "Current thought suggests these early childhood pals can be developmental assets ... serving as confidant, scapegoat and inspiration." That is certainly the case in "See Dick."

At first glance the premise seems tired-the most memorable example being Mary Chase's Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Harvey"-but Mr. Hughes takes the contrived plot device and cleverly infuses it with contemporary sentiment and extraordinary humor. As with his original, critically acclaimed, "Ghost of a Chance" in 2005, "See Dick" is a fresh look at life and how, if we're not careful, we can forget to live life to the fullest.

Bringing Mr. Hughes' clever quips between Jack and Dick to life are Aaron Kaplan and James Hipp. Mr. Kaplan, in his Sherman debut, captures the emotional turmoil that bubbles below the surface of Jack's cynical, sarcastic façade in an inspired performance. From his obsession with superheroes-a clever personality trait for the character-and collectibles that he has meticulously catalogued, to his frustrations in his life, Mr. Kaplan captures the subtle nuances of this complex character beautifully.

While it may seem ridiculous that an adult's subconscious would recreate a childhood buddy to pull him out of his self-loathing, Mr. Hipp truly captures the idiosyncrasies of Dick. Like Jack, Dick has matured physically, but they certainly differ emotionally. Dick may seem the more childish of the two, but this imaginary friend has great wisdom to impart, albeit humorously at times. Mr. Hipp carries much of the dialogue on his shoulders throughout the production, but he does so with just the right dose of silliness and insight. He plays off Jack quite brilliantly.

Ms. Collazo, seen on the Sherman stage in this season's "Salomé" and "Gaslight," takes on a very different role as Jack's current love interest, and Ms. Uniacke as Jack's sister Marcie, show other sides to Jack's personality that would otherwise have been hidden. Both offer commanding performances during their brief moments on stage.

Rounding out the cast-and stealing the spotlight during a scene in the second act on opening night-is an exceptionally young actor going only by the name Sebastian, making his Sherman Playhouse debut as Jack's nephew. The little tike, probably about 2 years old and absolutely adorable, takes direction quite well from Mr. Russo.

Kudos to Mr. Russo, not only for his direction, but for his set and costume design. Jack's surroundings and wardrobe play a big part in telling this story and this set looks like the comic book section of a collectibles shop. In this small urban apartment, Jack's collection is a virtual superhero universe that would make Stan Lee proud, while Dick's Cookie Monster-inspired ensemble reflects a hint of irony.

Childhood memories may not be all they're cracked up to be, as Jack points out in the first act, but Mr. Hughes' comedy is. "See Dick" is witty, fun and hilariously inspired-a must see for the young at heart.

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 Just  what the doctor ordered   

  AP RED 
   with JASON DREW

   www.AP-RED.com

I had the opportunity to see a brand new show, the world premiere of- “See Dick”. Apart from a handful of detailed show-histories, most shows' evolution remains a mystery. So, I admit it's a bit of a selfish pleasure to see a show early on, you know, before the kid is all grown up. Ironically, in this instance the comedy "See Dick..." is about the difference between growing up and growing older. Don't worry, if there's a message, it's bubble wrapped in laughter. And those laugh lines come fast and furious as Jack, (the very antic and amusing Aaron Kaplan), a 30-something living in a studio apartment facing a professional, private and love life that leaves everything to be desired, is reintroduced to long lost childhood friend Dick, (James Hipp hysterical as the cartoon conscience). The problem is that Dick was Jack's imaginary friend. What ensues is a heartfelt if hellish self help session with more then able and amusing assistance from new girlfriend Cass, (the versatile Katya Collazo) and his younger sibling Marcie, (a memorable Quinn Uniacke) with her toddler Sebastian, (played by a wonderful method toddler named Sebastian) in tow. If laughter is the best medicine then this show presents the perfect prescription. Keep an eye out for it…I have a feeling this one will be heading places.

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   The Sherman Playhouse featured a world premiere last Friday night with a delightfully humorous offering - B.Peter Hughes' See Dick. The show is billed as a "childish comedy for grown-ups" and it doesn't disappoint. The play is expertly directed by Joseph Russo and is produced by Tracy Hurd.

   Who of us,when our stressful adult lives aren't going particularly well, hasn't sometimes dreamed of simpler times - as in the innocent bliss of childhood? See Dick is about just that. The story here centers around an "average Joe" named Jack who is experiencing many life stresses that adults encounter - failed marriage, humdrum job, lousy love life - when who should suddenly pop back into his life but his childhood imaginary friend, Dick. Dick's re-emergence from Jack's subconscious is a huge surprise, and Jack is shocked and appalled when Dick proves without a doubt who he is. He remembers all of Jack's adolescent experiences, little sayings and pacts that no one else could possibly share. after one hilarious scene where Dick successfully persuades Jack that he is only there now because Jack really needs him, they agree that Dick can stay for a trial period - one week. Jack can see and hear Dick at all times, but no one else he encounters can. The result is an uproarious farce, full of muddled situations, rapid fire verbal exchanges and side splitting laughs.

   The entire play takes place in Jack's Bachelor pad studio apartment, which is complete with all of the typical trappings: cinder block walls, unpacked boxes, convertible futon sofa/bed, hand-me-down furniture and cramped conditions. The place is littered with proof of Jack's reluctance to grow up and face his adulthood. He is a collector of childhood items such as vintage comic books, superhero memorabilia, toys and action figures and they are scattered about in every possible area of the room. One interesting feature is the large array of locks on his outside door - possibly to keep the real world out? Dick, who is frozen in time as Jack's boyhood pal, delights in playing with the collectibles. This horrifies Jack who needs them to stay in absolute mint condition, presenting another semblance of his struggle between child and adult. Not only is Dick omnipresent (and constantly chattering) when Jack is at home alone, but he also accompanies him on romantic evenings, his day at work and every other possible scenario. He is truly Jack's conscience, prattling on and on while reminding Jack of his own faults and missteps, both past and present.

   The role of Jack is played adeptly by Aaron Kaplan. His portrayal fully embodies Jack - his insecurities, frustrations and often baffled reactions are a joy to watch. He plays him as an individual who is totally overwhelmed with what is being dealt to him, but still open minded enough to make a go of it, and somehow try to make it work.

   Dick is portrayed by the very energetic James Hipp. He brings all of the qualities of childlike playfulness a ten year old imaginary friend should have. In fact, he is so highly and effectively animated, some of the most classic children's cartoon characters sometimes come to mind while watching his work.

   In playing Cass, Katya Collazo brings her third successful performance to the Sherman Playhouse this 2009 season, having previously portrayed the titular role in Salome,  and the part of Nancy in Gaslight. She continues to impress us with her versatility here, playing both Jack's love interest and Dick's interpretation of the same.

   Sherman's own Quinn Uniacke plays Jack's younger, more self-assured sibling, Marcie. She is effective in her role as the nosy, "in your face" sister who seems to delight in tormenting Jack with reminders of his inadequacies.

   A special mention must be made of Sebastian, the young actor who plats Jack's nephew. He steals the show whenever he is on stage.

   The opportunity to view a new and original play by a talented playwright is a rare treat. It is particularly enjoyable when the plot and performances are as solid and entertaining as they are here. This is one sure to delight, and perhaps to leave audience members reminiscing of the safe refuges of their own childhoods.

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Silly Smart

  Theater Scene: Marsden Epworth

  The Lakeville Journal

The Sherman Playhouse has presented a silly play, but silly, funny and smart. The set alone tells you what “See Dick ...” is all about. Filled with superhero stuff like a Darth Vader mask, a Hulk poster in the john, a Superman bath sheet on the living room sofa, boxes of Trix cereal, a refrigerator big enough to hold two grapefruits, a TV dinner and a bottle of vodka tells you a lot about 33 year old Jack (Aaron Kaplan), a divorced and lonely fellow in a dead-end job.

   Enter his imaginary friend Dick (James Hipp) from pre-puberty past to point out all of  Jack’s emotional, sexual and professional inadequacies. They are legion, of course. Starting with his six-week marriage. “You should have had ‘something wicked this way comes’ written into the wedding vows,” Dick, dressed in Looney Tunes pajamas, tells his old buddy. Director Joseph Russo keeps the pace very fast, the leads are adroit and appealing, Katya Collazo and Quinn Uniake as two women in Jack’s life are fine, but the scene stealer, here, is Sebastian, Jack’s 1-year-old nephew. He is one cool little actor.

   “See Dick . . .” by B. Peter Hughes runs at the Sherman Playhouse through Dec. 5. It’s a treat.

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"See Dick" is enjoyable 

From the review by Julie Stern

Theater Critic for the Newtown Bee

   In the twenty years or so that that I've been reviewing, Bill Hughes has been a fixture on local stages - as an actor, a director, designer of the most lovingly crafted and detailed sets, and costumer extraordinaire. Now, he demonstrates his considerable skill as a comic writer.

   Set in a tiny Manhattan studio apartment, the conceit of the play is that Jack, a recently divorced, socially awkward thirty-something, trapped in a boring job and belittled by his nagging mother, sister, and ex-wife arrives home one day to find his apartment occupied by "Dick." Who is he? Jack's imaginary friend.

 Aaron Kaplan, an actor who just keeps getting better and better, is terrfic as Jack. James Hipp performs very well as Dick. Katya Collazo is sympathetic as Cass, the girl intrigued by Jack. Quinn Uniacke is the insufferable kid sister, Marcie.The show is stolen by a very small performer named Sebastian, who plays the role of Marcie's infant son.

   "See Dick" has genuinely funny moments and some clever lines, demonstrating the fact that Hughes possesses comic talents along with his other gifts.

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