Paul M. Kelly

That Particular Plan and Disclosure at Bentwell Manor: Two Comedies Paul M. Kelly

THAT PARTICULAR PLANThis offbeat comedy exposes the eccentric behavior of Godfrey Chambers, wealthy manufacturing industrialist, Lydia, his wacky nymphomaniac wife, Evelyn, their estranged daughter who communicates with baboons, and the spurned butler, Carl. Godfrey and Carl place an ad in a London newspaper arranging to meet with Scott Sprinter, an American studying abroad who carried out a break¿in at the Chambers' home. Since the event had a profound effect on Lydia, Godfrey hopes that bribery will prompt Sprinter to assist him in committing his wife to an asylum. Throughout the play, the American, who wants the money but has no idea what is expected of him, finds himself trapped in a situation where the quirky characters around him struggle to make choices and decisions based on absurd judgment. DISCLOSURE AT BENTWELL MANORThe scene of this farce is Bentwell Manor, home of Lady Bentwell, son Bradley, and their staff. Horrified by the social implications of her son marrying the actress and perceived gold digger Clarice Changely, Lady Bentwell hires her former lover, the Inspector, to delve into Clarice's past. She must act quickly, not only to foil the engagement, but also to prevent anyone from learning the truth about her own past. Meanwhile, the reader is treated to the high jinks of the maid, Gertrude, who constantly runs off to be a punk¿rock groupie, and Bridget the cook, who has decided on a novel way to commit suicide in order to get back at Lady Bentwell for refusing her a decent reference, thereby thwarting her plans to leave Bentwell Manor for good.