Review: Tickled Pink at the Laguna Playhouse

By Mariam Jehangir

Laughter, tears, and lessons about life all round out Martin Bergman and Rita Rudner’s new comedy play Ticked Pink, at the .

The story of Mindy Solomon, an 18-year-old who leaves her hometown to follow her dreams of becoming a dancer in New York but is forced to change her plans due to unforeseen circumstances that set her life on a completely different trajectory all together, resonates with those of us who have ever dealt with disappointment, having to start over, and learning things about ourselves and those around us.

This play, which is based on the 2002 novel of the same name, isn’t your regular run-of-the-mill comedy show filled with meaningless humor aimed only at making the audience laugh. It also strikes a chord on a more serious and emotional level, by giving us a dose of drama and a believable, relatable story line.

The two main characters, Mindy and Ursula Duran, are a couple of young women starting out their journeys in life and form a bond together at this early stage that is later tested, broken, and then reconciled through a series of ups and downs.

There are elements of betrayals, addictions, rejection, and even death. Some heavy stuff, right?

But before it gets too heavy, the play still stays true to its comedic side and does what a comedy should do, which is to make the audience laugh.

Intermixed with all the drama is humor in the form of contextual jokes, '80s references (which is when the story takes place), colorful characters (we’re talking men in women’s costumes, hilarious fake accents, and a desperate waitress here), and even a few very funny stand-up comedy scenes within the play. This is fitting, after all, considering that one of the playwrights and actresses, Rita Rudner, is a real life stand-up comedian herself.

At the heart of all this drama and laughter, however, is an age-old story about growing up. Mindy’s character, played by Laguna Playhouse newcomer Emma Fassler, starts off as a wide-eyed, naïve teen who packs her bag and goes after a shiny new future. By the end, she's gone through some rough circumstances and heartbreak, yet comes out the other side of the storm as a stronger, more mature and better informed individual, who reminds us that humor can be found in even our darkest moments.

A bit of a cliché? Maybe. But this tried-and-true concept is presented in a fresh and funny way, so that it’s still very enjoyable.

All in all, Tickled Pink provides the audience with an entertaining show, ripe with laughter, great acting, a story line that reminds us of a valuable lesson, and great '80s music between scene changes. And who doesn’t like a show with '80s music?  

Tickled Pink at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach; 949-497-ARTS. Runs through May 20. Buy tickets here.