Fill your weekend with hilarity and chaos, as Beckwith Theatre Company debuts ‘Unnecessary Farce’, a comedy by Paul Slade Smith, this weekend, August 19, 20, and 21.
Max Sala has appeared on stage many, many times before, but this is his first time as Director, collaborating with longtime Beckwith veteran and friend, Jeff Gunn. “When this spot opened up on the calendar, we looked at each other and decided since this was a huge responsibility for one person, we’d direct together. This particular cast has made it easy, and a truly enjoyable experience.”
With a cast of just seven, timing is everything. Fortunately, these actors have worked together before, some at the South Bend Civic Theatre and some at Twin City Players in St. Joseph. Anna Pille plays the character of Billie Dwyer, and will be gracing the Beckwith Stage for the very first time. “I’ve read this play before, and the character I play is so endearing and funny,” says Anna. “I have similarities with my character, though I’m more intentionally goofy than she is. Reading through the script made me excited to play a character that will make people laugh.”
“The plot of this show is interesting– it continues to get more and more wound up, and it’s as crazy as a farce can get,” says actor Bill Svelmoe. His character is a complex one, presenting multiple ‘hats’ and angles from the point of view of Agent Frank.
The full cast list includes:
Anna Pille Officer Billie Dwyer
Michael Bond Officer Eric Sheridan
Kathryn Hein Karen Brown (Mayor’s accountant)
Bill Svelmoe Agent Frank (Head of Security)
Andrew Glisson Todd (Scottish Hit Man)
Jack Gannon Mayor Meekly
Peggy Gannon Mary Meekly (Mayor’s wife)
“My favorite comedic moment of the show would have to be all of them,” says Max. “We’ve been rehearsing for six weeks and we all still ‘break up’ at whatever scenes we are working on during that particular occasion.”
The show will run for two weekends, concluding August 26, 27, and 28, and tickets are $15 per person. The Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m, and Sunday’s matinee is at 2 p.m. To purchase tickets for ‘Unnecessary Farce’, please call the box office at 269-782-7653, and to see the full season schedule at Beckwith Theatre, visit beckwiththeatre.com.
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
