The nosy, matronly Beverly Wilkins (the receptionist) is an office drone working hard at getting through another day of answering phones. Her stable, no nonsense attitude is a great foil to Lorraine, the office ditz whose only hope of surviving her latest failed romance is to read, “Help, I’m in Love with a Narcissist.” As a comedy the play is a rip, though efforts to pull some deeper meaning from the laughs fall flat.

Nancy Sherrard, in the role of Beverly Wilkins, is by far the highlight of the production. Sherrard shows off her great comic timing and facial expressions, particularly during a several minute stretch where she is answering photos while trying to gossip with a friend. It is laugh-aloud funny.

Jennifer Paison as Lorraine embodies the insecurities and naiveté of a young woman trying to move through upper management. The early interactions between Beverly and Lorraine are enjoyable and generate a few good laughs, particularly the gossip about Lorraine’s love life and Beverly’s grasp for power through control of the office supplies. The popular TV show The Office comes to mind in a few of the scenes were the awkwardness of everyday interactions leaves everyone giggling in embarrassment.

There’s a twist and the comical workings of the office takes a dark turn. Without giving too much away, the characters are drawn into complicity with some sinister stuff, but the twist fails to deliver the intended dramatic punch. Luckily, Sherrard maintains her poise as the hilarious Beverly, delivering an audience-friendly, satisfying final scene.

The Receptionist
At the Water Tower Theater through June 21
www.watertowertheatre.org