Cooling down flaming idiots

“Flaming Idiots”, a fulllength comedy, will have audiences in unrestrained laughter at Chico Theater Company, June 3-19, 166 Eaton Road, Chico.

CTC producer Marc Edson selected highly experienced director David Bristow for this hilarious comedy. Assistant director is Kendall Young. Together they have taken a group of CTC actors into a world of “what if?”

“I came across this script several years ago,” Bristow said, “and was taken by the witty script. Add an exceptional cast and it becomes a wild and wonderful experience.”

“Flaming Idiots” was written by Tom Rooney and originally presented in 1992 in New York City. It was the co-winner of the 1992 New American Co Festival.

CTC director Bristow was happy to outline the story.

“Seeking money and glory, two postal workers quit their jobs and decide to open a restaurant,” he said. “They jump right in and are thrown a perplexing problem of no customers. The business plan is to borrow money from a loan shark, sign a 10-year lease, and figure out the details as they go. Next, hire a staff comprised of a deaf chef, aspiring actor, and a busboy of unknown origin. Throw in an unscrupulous restaurant critic, an ancient mobster and a clueless mounted policeman. What could possibly go wrong?”

Bristow is quick to note that everything can and does go wrong in this fast-paced farce full of wild antics, mistaken identity and glazed doughnuts.

The CRT budding restaurant owners are portrayed by Nick Anderson as Phil, and Darren Clark as Carl. Others in this fun-oriented cast are Coban Fowler (Eugene), Lisa Saldano (Bernadette), Jessica Heater (Jayne), Oscar Magana Jr. (Ernesto) and Doug Hasse (Louie).

Tickets are $20 adults, $18 seniors (age 65 and older), $18 youth (age 12 and under). Order tickets by phone at 894-3282. The theater box office is open noon to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 166 Eaton Road, Chico. For information visit www.chicotheatercompany.com.