Why "Unnecessary Farce" At Three Notch Theatre Might Be The Funniest Play You'll See This Year

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — In an age where comedy often leans hard on cynicism, Paul Slade Smith’s “Unnecessary Farce” is a welcome throwback to the classical mechanics of a good old-fashioned door-slamming farce — think “Noises Off” meets “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” in a Holiday Inn. It’s ridiculous. It’s chaotic. It’s delightful.

The plot is deceptively simple: Two cops set up a sting operation in adjoining hotel rooms, complete with hidden cameras, cheap suits and loaded guns (what could go wrong?). Their goal? To catch a crooked mayor red-handed with the help of a nervous accountant. Instead, they tumble into a whirlwind of mistaken identities, Scottish hitmen, and one of the most entertaining uses of a bagpipe ever to grace the stage.

Smith’s writing is razor-sharp and rhythmically precise. The script relies not just on witty dialogue but on clockwork timing — a demanding feat for any cast. Fortunately, under the direction of Neil Compton and Steve Pugh, this production nails the rhythm like a symphony of silliness. Each character enters with just enough absurdity to raise the stakes without toppling the whole tower of madness.

And what a cast it is:

Sam Allgaier is Officer Eric Sheridan, a lovable wreck of a cop — more golden retriever than detective.
Amelia Yunker brings heart and hilarity to Billie Dwyer, a rookie officer in way over her badge.
Kalyn Friscia charms as Karen Brown, the nervous accountant with more spark than she lets on.
Chad Mildenstien is pitch-perfect as the daffy but good-hearted Mayor Meekly.
Brandon Maher lends a slick, shady air to Agent Frank, the man with a few too many secrets.
James Haigler nearly runs away with the show (and the audience’s hearts) as Todd, the fiercely Scottish, kilt-wearing hitman whose thick accent and wild energy are pure comedic gold.
Stacey Park gives Mary Meekly a delicious edge — sweet, sharp, and just unpredictable enough to keep you guessing.

The humor, while broad, never panders. It’s physical comedy with a brain — a blend of Marx Brothers mayhem and modern sitcom sensibility. The language is clean, the pace relentless, and the laughter constant. This is comedy done the old-fashioned way: with heart, hustle and an unwavering commitment to the absurd.

At its core, “Unnecessary Farce” isn’t here to teach a lesson. It doesn’t preach or ponder — it plays. It exists purely to entertain, and it does so with joyous abandon. As director Neil Compton puts it, “The world needs comedy — let this be an escape.”

And escape it is.

In short: “Unnecessary Farce” is completely necessary. Go for the laughs. Stay for the kilted chaos. Leave reminded that not every play has to break your heart to be brilliant.

Catch The Newtowne Players‘ show on select dates through May 11 at the Three Notch Theatre, located at 21744 South Coral Drive, Lexington Park, MD 20653.

Tickets available now—don’t miss your chance to laugh until you cry.