Wheaton Drama opens season with Monty Python-style comedy
For those who declare a scratch “just a flesh wound,” or spend afternoons imitating the Knights Who Say Ni, Wheaton Drama has just the show for you.
As its 2011-12 season opener, the group presents Michael Hollinger's medieval comedy “Incorruptible.”
“It's a fairly unknown show,” Director Tom Walker said. “Even people who know a lot about theater don't seem to know this show for whatever reason.”
Describing it as a Monty Python-style farce, Walker promises the 15-year-old play will be filled with “ridiculous situations and very funny dialogue.”
The show opens Friday, Sept. 16, and runs through Sunday, Oct. 9, at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale St., Wheaton.
“Sometimes it's good to use a new piece to start the season off because it interests subscribers,” said Kate Quan, the show's assistant director and production manager.
Set in Priseaux, France, in 1250 A.D., “Incorruptible” tells the story of a group of destitute monks whose patron saint has not performed a miracle for 13 years. Fearing competition from a local church, the monastery enlists the help of a larcenous jester to settle their debts and hilarity inevitably ensues.
“It's about a bunch of monks who don't really know how to behave like monks,” Quan said.
Tickets for “Incorruptible” are $13 for Thursday performances and $16 for shows Friday through Sunday. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m., with 3 p.m. matinees Sundays.
Though the “dark comedy about the dark ages” will offer local theatergoers side-clutching laughs, Walker hopes the production will help broaden the organization's audience.
“I know Wheaton Drama has a reputation of doing the same repertoire of shows, and this is allowing them to do something different,” he said.
The first-time Wheaton Drama director says the ensemble-heavy show will create a good comedic dynamic.
Quan agrees, noting that the group tries “to mix it up” when it comes to finding local talent. Of the eight cast members in “Incorruptible,” half of the actors are new to Wheaton Drama.
“A funny line is a funny line, but you have to have someone who knows how to deliver it,” Quan said.
Though, above all, she hopes the audience takes away one thing: a smile.
“I hope they walk out in a good mood,” Quan said. “Truthfully, it's not a big moral lesson. Hopefully they just don't stop laughing.”
If you go
What: Michael Hollinger's “Incorruptible,” presented by Wheaton Drama
When: Opens at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16; shows at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 9
Where: Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale St., Wheaton
Cost: $13 Thursdays; $16 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Info: wheatondrama.org or (630) 260-1820