"Leading Ladies" Laughs

Monday, 28 April 2014 13:46

Slapstick goofiness and scrambled Shakespeare make for a comedy about mistaken identities, loss of innocence, and love lost-and-found.

ST. MARYS -- Those interested what's happening this season with the Stratford Festival can take a short drive over to St. Mary's to check at a new production which just kicked off over the weekend put on by St. Marys Community Players.

In what's been described as "Some Like It Hot" meets "Twelfth Night," Jim Hill, directs "Leading Ladies," which opened Friday at St. Mary's Town Hall, and runs through May 4th.

Hill calls it a hilarious comedy, and described the plot and setting Monday.

"It follows a couple of Shakespearian actors who are a little bit down on their luck back in 1958 York, Pennsylvania in the United States. They find out about a widow who has a fortune who wants to give it to some long lost relatives that these actors decide they can pose as in order to basically wheedle her out of that fortune."

The Leading Ladies are played by Lanny Hoare as Leo/Maxine and Jamie Cottle as Jack/Stephanie, Melissa Metler as Meg and Christin Bossenberry as Audrey. Filling out the cast are local actors Scott Stephens as the stuffy man of cloth, Tony White plays the feisty doctor, Alison Robinson, the crusty matriarch, and Dan Rankin as Butch, Doc's son.

The play is written by Ken Ludwig who's well known for his stage comedies. Stratford Festival is performing another Ludwig show -- 'Crazy for You!" this season.

Hill says the venue is a once again familiar one for those familiar with productions put on by St. Marys Community Players.

"It's being put on in the Town Hall which is where the St. Marys Community Players have pretty much always performed. It's a very nice venue and they're very gracious to let us use it."

Hill, who directing his first play with St. Marys Community Players, says the show's opening weekend was well received by theatre goers.

"The opening night was great. The preview had a few troubles, but of course, previews always do. Opening night when we had everything all straightened out and polished -- we had them rolling in the aisles. It's hilariously funny."

"Leading Ladies" continues this week from Thursday, May 1st to Sunday, May 4th, with tickets priced at $20 for general seating. One preview show on Thursday, April 24th at $10 a ticket. There are matinee performances as well along with meal and theatre packages.

Tickets now on sale at the Flower Shop & More in St. Marys, or online at: www.stmaryscommunityplayers.ca