This summer, visitors to the Drayton Festival Theatre will receive a prescription for non-stop laughter with the infectiously funny farce It Runs in the Family, on stage July 20 to Aug. 6.
Set in a sedate British hospital, this classic laugh-a-minute, lie-a-minute comedy is full of hilarious plot twists that will leave audiences wondering what could possibly happen next.
In its 26-year history, the award-winning theatre organization has carved out a niche for presenting wild and wacky farces.
In fact, many of the Drayton Festival Theatre’s successes in its formative years are attributable to master playwright Ray Cooney: Move Over Mrs. Markham (1992), It Runs in the Family (1993), Out of Order (1995), Run For Your Wife (1997), Caught in the Net (2003) and Not Now Darling (2006).
“British farces are quintessential summer stock theatre for good reason,” said Alex Mustakas, artistic director of Drayton Entertainment. “They have hilarious storylines that border on the tragic, outrageous characters who somehow manage to stay grounded in reality, and a lighthearted tongue-in-cheek bawdiness that proves laughter really is the best medicine.”
Mustakas credits the enduring popularity of farce to its innate ability to offer an escape from the stress of everyday life.
“We all need to let loose and have some good-natured fun every now and then,” he said. “It Runs in the Family will leave audiences completely entertained from start to finish.”
As the production opens, Dr. Mortimore is preparing to deliver a career-boosting speech to his fellow neurologists at a prestigious international lecture. Suddenly, the doctor is thrown into panic mode when his indiscreet past finally catches up with him – in the form of a long lost son from a secret fling. Little white lies turn into whoppers as Dr. Mortimore embarks on an uproarious journey to save his precious reputation.
The production is directed by Mustakas. He is joined by set designer David Antscherl, costume designer Sarah Plater Findlay, and lighting designer Siobhán Sleath.
Rob McClure, a veteran of Drayton farces (including How the Other Half Loves and Caught in the Net), tackles the role of Dr. Mortimore. Audiences may remember McClure from last season’s production of the Norm Foster comedy, Looking.
Audience favourite Eddie Glen brings his comedic timing and delivery to the role of Dr. Hubert Bonney, the best friend who unintentionally gets caught in the web of deceit. Glen left audiences in hysterics in last season’s productions of Monty Python’s Spamalot and Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance.
Susan Gilmour, fresh off an acclaimed turn as Mother Superior in Sister Act, plays the cool, calm and collected Rosemary Mortimore. Amanda Leigh plays Dr. Mortimore’s fling, Nurse Jane Tate.
Gregory Pember plays the troubled young lad, Leslie Tate. Earlier this season, Pember won raves for his nimble puppetry work as the plant in Little Shop of Horrors.
Laughs will be provided by David Talbot as Bill, a near-senile patient in a wheelchair who periodically meanders into the maze of mayhem.
Sven Van de Ven ascertains fact from fiction as the regimented Police Sergeant, and Nicholas Rice plays Sir Willoughby Drake, the big boss frustrated by the continual insubordination of his staff.
Tickets are $44 for adults and $26 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for groups of 20 or more are $36. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.draytonentertainment.com, in person at any Drayton Entertainment box office, or by calling toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).
