Review: LOVE, SEX AND THE IRS is a Must-See Hoot.

Desert Theatreworks' (DTW's) encore presentation of Billy Van Zandt's and Jane Milmore's LOVE, SEX AND THE I.R.S. is a riotous farce with fabulous acting, brilliant direction, exquisite comic timing, and nonstop laughs - an evening of fun not to be missed.

The plot, as is common with a farce, is totally convoluted and highly improbable. Two male roommates in 1978 have been cheating on their taxes by pretending to be married. One of them is engaged, but the other is fooling around with the first one's fiancee and ducking his own girlfriend. The landlord is trying to catch the renters with a woman living in the apartment, just as the IRS sends an auditor to inquire why the ersatz wife has previously filed taxes as a male.

Director Lance Phillips-Martinez is a practitioner of "movement theatre," where action is carefully choreographed. His dance expertise shows in the humor evoked by otherwise mundane moves, that, in his skillful hands become Three Stooges or Charlie Chaplin moments.Those familiar with Mr. Phillips-Martinez's work will recognize his touches immediately. Watch for the sequence taking place in the window - I dare you not to laugh.

Movement theatre would not succeed without a cast with a great deal of physical comedy ability, and these cast members have it. Steve McMillen and Lee Padick are gems who deserve to become a well-known comedy team. I especially love the way Mr. Padick noodles around the stage and Mr. McMillen contorts his face into brilliant expressions; their every move is designed to garner laughs. The rest of the cast is also wonderful. Ed Lefkowitz, as the purple pajama-wearing landlord, is delightfully smarmy. Newcomer Dave Kulvete, as the straight-faced and straight-laced IRS agent, is another gem. I hope to see more of his work in the future now that he lives part-time in the Coachella Valley. Art Healey has a small, but hilarious role, as a justice of the peace. Tessa Walker and Christine Michele, as the two girlfriends, one unprincipled and one merely nutty, also show off their considerable comedic chops. Rounding out the cast is the delightful Tiffani LoBue as the conservative mother who has come for what she thinks will be her son's wedding. This cast is thoroughly professional, with no weak links, and deserves to become part of DTW's A-list of comic actors.

The set contributes heavily to the atmosphere. Come early enough to explore its fabulous details. Mr. Phllips-Martinez has pulled off what the set designers in the FRIENDS reunion could not - he was able to obtain parquet tiles; he did it by purchasing a dance floor.

I often complain about sound problems in various theaters, but the sound is perfect in this production - no squeals or scratches. This was a feat given the number of sound effects, which themselves are funny.

Desert Theatreworks has mounted a near perfect production whose run deserves to sell out, as the performance I attended seemed to do. Get your tickets ASAP.

LOVE, SEX and the IRS will run through April 14, 2019. Evening shows are at 7:30. Matinees are Sundays at 2:00 p.m. All performances take place at the Indio Performing Arts Center, 45175 Fargo Street, Indio, CA 92201. Desert Theatreworks' individual ticket prices are $30.00 (general admission-musicals), $28.00 (general admission-plays), $20.00 (ages 13-18), and $16.00 (ages 12 and under). Check the ticket purchase information for specific schedules. For tickets and further information, go to the Web site at www.dtworks.org or call (760)980-1455.

The rest of the 2018-19 season consists of REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES (Newly added to the schedule) by Josefina Lopez, May 10-19.

A comedy about five full-figured Latina women working in a sewing factory in East Los Angeles, who must deliver an impossible order in one week to save their business. A celebration of real women with real bodies working together. RATED PG-13

The 2019-20 season will include THE SAVANNAH SIPPING SOCIETY, TWELVE ANGRY MEN, MAMMA MIA!, MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, MARY POPPINS, BEEHIVE-THE 60's MUSICAL, RUMORS, THE PRODUCERS, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, and ALL MY SONS.

Photo Credit: PAUL HAYASHI