“Hay Fever,” the greatly anticipated season-opener for the Department of Theatre and Dance at Sacramento State premiered last Thursday night to a half-filled theater. While the slap-dash comedy had its moments of amusing antics and witty dialogue, the majority of it lacked somewhat in keeping the audience?s interest. The Victorian-style set and costumes were elaborately designed and helped add authenticity to the play and create a realistic atmosphere.

Despite the sudden foot injury of one of the play?s main actresses, the play went on as scheduled. Sadie Tutchener, who plays the part of Myra, a visitor to the Bliss house, played the role with the help of a wheelchair and a bit of ad-lib to the script. Her performance was so well done that it seemed as if her wheelchair was a part of the script and the character.

Other outstanding performances were by Wyatt Oakley, who played Sorel Bliss, and Jamie Price, who played Simon Bliss. Oakley and Price nailed the somewhat difficult British accent with accuracy.

The highlight of the play was when Judith Bliss, played by Jennifer Kirkham, sang a song for one of the guests, Richard Greatham, played by Ronnie Little. Kirkham has an amazing voice that made the scene powerful, enjoyable and realistic.

This story of the incredibly theatrical Bliss family has its humorous moments, depicting the life of these peculiar people. The constant bickering, outbursts of emotion and game-playing that this family illustrates is at times a bit overboard. The ending moves along a lot faster than the beginning, but is still filled with tons of dialogue and endless chatter.

“Hay Fever” runs about two hours with a 15-minute intermission. It was an enjoyable play that had moments of humor along with moments of drawn-out small talk. The show runs through Sunday.

“Hay Fever”, Performed in the Playwright?s Theatre with shows Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m.and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7 students, $12 general.