10 out of 10 chocolate creams
Lamb’s Players Theatre in Coronado once again proves that clever, classic theatre can feel fresh and effervescent with their latest production, Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw, directed by Deborah Gilmour Smyth.
Set in 1885 Bulgaria during the Serbo-Bulgarian War, the play follows Raina Petkoff (Megan Carmitchel), a romantic idealist, as she finds her notions of love and heroism “confusing” when she hides a Swiss mercenary, Captain Bluntschli (MJ Sieber), who is fleeing the battlefield. Her fiancé, Major Sergius Saranoff (Spencer Gerber), is the manifestation of pomp and pride, and as the dust of war settles, so does the charade of “noble love.” Shaw’s comedy blends satire with romance, and this production captured the spirit in a fun, flowy way.
The Cast Shines Bright
Manny Fernandes’ delightful Major Paul Petkoff brings a witty comedic spark, having playful scenes with Melissa Fernandes, who, as Catherine Petkoff, was sharp, adding warmth and rhythm to the household chaos. For me, it is always fun to see real-life couples on stage together. The Fernandes bring the crisp family energy.
Spencer Gerber, in his Lamb’s debut as Major Sergius Saranoff, is a revelation. Hard to believe this is his first professional theater production. A Coronado native, Gerber’s Saranoff is deliciously caricaturesque in the best possible way—part comic-book hero, part Disney’s Gaston. He struts with hilarious swagger—from the poses to the pauses—it was an applause-worthy performance.
As the pragmatic and unexpectedly sweet Captain Bluntschli, MJ Sieber (also making his Lamb’s debut) brings warmth and sincerity. His Bluntschli is the kind of man you root for—charming and endearingly flustered. Sieber’s chemistry with the rest of the cast, especially Megan Carmitchel, is palpable.
Megan Carmitchel’s Raina Petkoff is enchanting. She navigates Raina’s contradictions with lightness and humor, her comedic timing especially golden when wrangling with Gerber’s Saranoff. Again, from the poses to the pauses. Just golden.
I last saw Katie Karel in North Coast Rep’s Birthday Candles, a play that wrecked me. And part of that was due to one of Karel’s characters. Great to see her at Lambs and in this light as the intelligent, mouthy Louka. Karel’s performance was bold and layered.
John Rosen’s Nicola keeps the rhythm sharp. His precise timing and grounded delivery balance out the larger-than-life antics happening around him. And Jordan Miller, though appearing briefly as the Soldier, makes a memorable impression.
Mike Buckley’s set is a dynamic, detailed playground. The scene transitions are clever and fluid, complementing the play’s flowy tone. Jemima Dutra’s costume design might be my favorite so far—gorgeous taffetas, bold colors, and beautifully tailored uniforms.
Deborah Gilmour Smyth not only directs but also designed the sound. She brought a cool blend of wit, rhythm, and heart. The sound design subtly elevates the mood, adding both suspense and humor where needed.
This production is refreshing and joyful. From the pacing to the performances, it feels in harmony—a good time at the theatre with laughter, warmth, and just the right amount of pranks.
Arms and the Man is currently playing until November 16. The Stage Manager is Jordan Miller.
By the by, and as a super side note, while I was doing my research for the review, I learned that John Malkovich directed a production of this play in Bulgaria last year, and the reception was not that warm…it would be interesting to dive deeper and understand why the Bulgarians reacted that way. A subject piece for a future article, maybe…
