Classic farce takes Centrestage
Are you a fan of classic comedies?
Charley’s Aunt by Brandon Thomas, a perennial favourite, comes to Centrestage Theatre in Kentville for a month long run and audiences will be howling with laughter. Charley’s Aunt has been performed all over the world, adapted to film and TV and the play broke all historic records for plays of any kind, with an original London run of 1,466 performances. Perfect for the young and old, this wonderful romp will be a great kick off to Centrestage Theatre’s fall lineup of shows.
The story: Jack Chesney loves Kitty Verdun and Charley loves Miss Amy Spettigue. They invite the ladies to meet Charley’s wealthy aunt from Brazil, “where the nuts come from.” Cancelling her visit at the last minute, the millionaire aunt sends the boys into cataclysmic confusion. What do they do now? They MUST have a chaperone, or the girls can’t visit. The problem is solved by drafting their Oxford undergrad pal into a black satin skirt, bloomers and wig. As “Charley’s Aunt”, this charming frump is introduced to the ladies, to Jack’s father and to Stephen Spettigue, Amy’s guardian. When the real aunt turns up, classic comic confusion ensues as Fancourt Babberley, posing as “Charley’s Aunt”, tricks Spettigue into agreeing to the marriage of his ward, the real aunt marries Jack’s father, Jack gets Miss Verdun, and Fanny Babs regains the fortune he lost at gambling as well as the girl he loves.
Charley’s Aunt is directed by Chantal Murphy and the cast in order of appearance includes Regis Irvine, Bob Cook, Ryan Macnab, Nathanial Maxner Jenna Newcomb, Keira Melanson, Marc Charrier, Dylan Salmon, Gwenyth Dwyn, Kaitlyn Thompkins/kenzie Melanson.
Performances dates are evenings at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 21, 22 , 28 ,29, Oct. 5 ,6 , 12, 13. With matinees on Sept. 23, and 30 at p.m. Front of House opens at 6:45 p.m. for the evening performances and 1:15 p.m. for the matinee. Tickets are: adults $15; seniors/students $12; children, age 12 and younger, $5. Centrestage takes cash or cheques only.
Reservations are recommended and are held until 15 minutes before show time and you can call 902-678-8040 for reservations, which is highly recommended. Visit www.centrestagetheatre.ca for all the information regarding upcoming shows, special events and audition notices.