Act Out Theatre presents musical farce ‘Lucky Stiff’ in Taylor April 20-22 before move to Dunmore
From a press release:
Act Out Theatre Group will present the hilarious musical farce “Lucky Stiff” this Friday, April 20 through Sunday, April 22. This will be the last production that will take place at Act Out’s Taylor location before the company moves to Dunmore in May.
Director Kalen Churcher of Plymouth leads this cast of 15 workshop participants ages 11-16 through a show that is sure to have audiences laughing.
“There is something unique about the workshop environment that you just don’t find in a lot of more traditional shows,” Churcher said. “For me, I want to be sure that the participants not only have fun, but challenge themselves in the process.”
Harry Witherspoon, a shoe salesman in London portrayed by Max Snyder of Scranton, is going about his normal routine when he receives a telegram informing him that his Uncle Anthony from across the pond has suddenly passed away. In order to receive his inheritance, he must adhere to his uncle’s odd request of taking his corpse on one last vacation to Monte Carlo. Insanity ensues when Annabel, the representative of Anthony’s favorite charity played by Emily Carey of Dunmore, follows the unlikely duo around as Anthony’s lover, Rita Laporta (Marina Rinkunas of Clarks Summit), and her brother Vinnie (Caelan Baden of Taylor) show up to try to steal the money. Unexpected twists and turns, dogs, accents, and accidental gunfire will make this a fun time for all.
“As a musical farce, ‘Lucky Stiff’ is definitely going to leave the audience laughing,” Churcher stated. “This isn’t your typical musical with singing and dancing, although both are definitely in there. There is also a layer of humor that is exaggerated through stereotypes and buffoonery. Each of the characters is a caricature of who they are supposed to be.”
“My favorite thing about playing Rita is that she’s kinda crazy, but she’s also insecure, which is kinda like me,” Rinkunas admitted. “She’s completely different from any other role I’ve ever played [before].”
“Lucky Stiff” offers a unique experience for not only the leads, but the ensemble as well. Ashley Kessell of Exeter plays many characters throughout the show and acts as the show’s dance captain. Being a part of a close-knit cast and working with a talented and supportive creative team makes the show fun for Kessell.
The most challenging aspect of this show according to Kessell is proper comedic timing, “making sure we all deliver our lines in a way that shows how witty and comical this show is and insuring the true intent of the show comes across to the audience members.”
“People should come see ‘Lucky Stiff’ because it’s very different from other shows,” Rinkunas said. “There’s many comedic moments and fun songs that get stuck in your head.”
“I hope everyone who sees this show takes away a bit of laughter and lightheartedness,” Churcher added. “Nothing would make me happier than to hear the audiences laugh all throughout the performances.”
“Lucky Stiff” runs on the Act Out stage (408 N. Main St., Taylor) from April 20 until April 22, with performances on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students/seniors and can be purchased by e-mailing actouttheatre1@gmail.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. Prepayment is not required; all payments can be made at the door.
This is the last production for Act Out Theatre Group in its current location. They will reopen in May with “Heathers: School Version,” running May 18-27 at their new location (150 E. Grove St., Dunmore), with partial proceeds benefiting teen suicide prevention.
