Kirk Players presents comedies 'A Night of One Acts' to close 53rd season
Submitted by Kirk Players
Kirk Players announces the final production for their 53rd season, "A Night of One Acts," featuring two one-act plays: "The Actor's Nightmare" by Christopher Durang and "Black Comedy" by Peter Shaffer.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation for which you felt totally unprepared? In "The Actor's Nightmare," that's the plight of George, an accountant, who suddenly finds himself on stage, cast in a play he doesn't know, has never rehearsed, and doesn't know any of the lines for. And that's not even the worst thing that happens to him.
"I am truly enjoying assisting my husband, Peter Grassl, in his first time directing with 'The Actor's Nightmare,'" assistant Director Gretchen Grassl said. "It is a hilarious show that packs a lot of snappy dialogue, theatrical allusions, and physical comedy into about 35 minutes."
In addition to the Grassls, other members of the management team for "The Actor's Nightmare" are stage manager Marilee C.C. Rusiniak and assistant stage manager Betty Slack. In the cast are James Torbeck, Tracey Horn, Meghan Lane, Kat Basso, Martin Hill and Randy Margison.
"Our audiences will get a kick out of how George deals with abruptly hilarious changes from Noel Coward to Shakespeare to Samuel Beckett," Kirk Players Artistic Director Les Lynn said.
Unusual circumstances are also a feature of the second play, "Black Comedy," a farce set in London in the mid-1960s. In an effort to impress his girlfriend's stuffy father and his party guests, aspiring but poor sculptor Brindsley "borrows" - without permission - furniture from his wealthy but fussy neighbor. Just before the party starts, the main fuse blows, plunging Brindsley's flat into total darkness. Confusion ensues with unexpected visitors, mistaken identities, and numerous surprises. Director Jeff Harding, assistant Director Sara Gunther, stage manager Jessica Motyka, and assistant stage manager Jessica Rattanasena make up the management team of "Black Comedy." The cast includes Nat Brautigam, Randy Margison, Randy Rice, Mandy Stebbins, Barb Selvaggio, Monica Stark, Meghan Lane and Amy Sharer.
"We have a very inventive ensemble," director Harding said, "constantly exploring the most laughable ways of interacting in complete darkness."
Performances will be at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 7-8, and at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday June 8-9. Tickets may be purchased through the Kirk Players website, www.kirkplayers.org or by calling (847) 521-6192. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.
Kirk Players are offering a special deal for this show only. When purchasing tickets, simply mention the code "No Drama Date Night" and you will receive a package of two tickets, two drinks, two cookies, and two popcorns for the discounted price of $25. The special offer is valid at any of the four performances.
Founded in 1966, Kirk Players is a not-for-profit corporation of volunteers with the purpose of providing service to the community through the arts. Revenue from productions is invested back into the community to support the arts and art programs. While based in Mundelein, Kirk Players work throughout Lake County.
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