By Cheryl Thornburg

If you’ve heard the expression “from the ridiculous to the sublime,” Reading Community Players’ current show, “Leading Ladies” is both. It’s sublimely ridiculous.

Playwright Ken Ludwig’s farce uses classic elements such as men pretending to be women to tell the tale of two down-and-out Shakespearean actors who are reduced to performing at Moose Halls and Elks lodges.

Enter Leo Clark, played by Brian Miller, and Jack Gable, played by Randy Miller, as the duo determined to get back to performing in real theaters. While traveling to their next gig, they read about a wealthy elderly woman who is seeking relatives named Max and Steve who moved to England as children. After she dies, the two would share her fortune with her only other heir, a niece named Meg.  As they put their plan in motion, things seem to be going well, until they discover that Max and Steve are women, Maxine and Stephanie, and they are forced to create their feminine alter egos. And this is when the hilarity really takes off.

Brian Miller is a fine comedic actor, but he takes his role as Maxine to a whole new level.  Matching him toe-to-toe in heels is Randy Miller as Stephanie. As the quick changes become almost frenetic in the second act, the two had the house roaring with laughter.

They didn’t corner the market on laughter, however, Lisa Uliasz delivered a bubbly, likeable Meg, who is a big fan of – Shakespearean actor Leo Clark, setting the stage for classic romantic comedy situations a la “Some Like It Hot.”

Pat Perfect landed arguably the most fun role in the show, that of Florence Snider, the elderly spinster who seems to have as many lives as a cat, and she makes the most of it.  She steals just about every scene she’s in with her antics and outrageous expressions and the audience loved it!

The show’s other funny lady, Audrey, a naïve, roller-skating cutie, is played to perfection by Diana D'Auria. It’s no wonder that Jack Gable and the audience fall in love with her.

Adding to all the insanity are John Fielding as Duncan Wooley, an uptight minister who is Meg’s fiancé; Bob Barskey as Doc Myers, who delivers some of the best one-liners in the show; and Edwin Rodriguez as Bruce Myers, Doc’s son.

Director Tara Sands once again demonstrated she has a knack for comedy. She also directed Ludwig’s “Lend Me A Tenor” for Fleetwood Community Theatre last season.

“Leading Ladies” continues through April 29, with performances Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the RCP Playhouse, 403 North 11^th St. in Reading.

A free shuttle provided by the theatre will be available from the Citadel parking lot at 12^th and Walnut streets. RCP suggests that drivers drop off passengers at the theatre and then proceed to the lot at the Citadel.

Reservations may be made through Brown Paper Tickets, found at www.readingcommunityplayers.org or by calling the theatre at 610-375-9106.

Steve Reazor and Tyler Horn in 'Farragut North"

By Cheryl Thornburg

I have seen many excellent regional productions in the past year, but the best-acted of them all is Tri-County Performing Arts Center’s current production, “Farragut North.” 

With intense, free-flowing dialogue, this small, tightly-knit cast creates a sense of realism on stage that I haven’t seen in a long time. 

Tyler Horn, Philip Seader, abd Ken Mumma

Staged in the small upstairs venue at Tri-PAC, the audience is just a few feet from the actors, challenging them to stay in character every second.  And this cast more than meets that challenge.  Their conversation is so natural, that you feel like you are eaves-dropping on personal encounters.

Those encounters occur in Iowa a week before the presidential primary and candidates and their campaign staff are scrambling and scheming to win.

Tyler Horn and Carly Fried

Heading up the cast is Tyler Horn as Stephen Bellamy, a young hotshot and gifted press secretary for Governor Morris who appears to be the frontrunner so far. Horn is smooth and charming as the current golden boy of political spin, then shows his acting chops as things get out of his control and he deals with anger and frustration as he tries to salvage his career.

Matching his skill are those surrounding him – whether supporting him or manipulating him.

Steve Reazor delivers a multi-layered performance as Paul Zara, his boss and longtime friend. Reazor’s comedic gift was front and center in the hilarious “A Christmas Story.” His serious side is even better as the intense and calculating Zara.

Tyler Horn and Katherine Leary

Matching him in the calculating department is Ken Mumma as Tom Duffy, the campaign manager for Morris’ opposition. His character’s manipulation is subtle, as is Mumma’s performance.

Carly Fried is fascinating to watch as the flirtatious and aggressive reporter, Ida Horowicz. She brings a playful approach to Ida that reminds me of some fellow reporters.

Also flirtatious is Katherine Leary as Molly Pearson, a young intern who becomes an integral part of the story. Leary gradually peels back the layers of Molly’s personality to reveal that she is much more than a naïve 19-year-old intern.

Waiting in the wings to become the next wunderkind is Phillip Ballantine as Ben, a young staff member who follows Steve around trying to absorb and mimic his mystique. Ballantine’s Ben quietly makes the transition from submissive to aggressive  in just two hours.

Rounding out the cast are Porter Eidam as Frank, another reporter, and Philip Seader as a waiter. Though they don’t have as much time on stage, they make the most of their supporting roles.

Phillip Ballantine and Tyler Horn

Kudos to Director Leena Devlin who picked the perfect cast to bring this drama filled with ‘Farragut North’ delivers political intrigue at its bes political intrigue to life and worked with them to create a compelling theater experience.

“Farragut North” (named after a Metro stop in Washington, D.C.) is an intimate look at backroom politics and the back-stabbing that sometimes goes on in the quest for a ticket to the White House.

The dialogue is peppered with expletives, which may be uncomfortable for some people, but also makes the conversations uncannily realistic and believable.

“Farragut North” runs through April 29 at the Tri-County performing Arts Center, 245 E. High St. in Pottstown.

Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday are $15 for students and seniors (65+), and $17 for adults. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.  When available, tickets will be sold at the door. 

Tickets for all shows at the Tri-PAC are available online. Please note that seating is now reserved, so go to www.tripac.org to purchase your tickets or call 610-970-1199.

P.S.  The timing for this show couldn’t be better – tomorrow, Tuesday April 24, is Primary Day in Pennsylvania.  Don’t forget to vote!

Photo by John Daggett

Tri-County Performing Arts Center’s next production is “Farragut North,” a political thriller.  It opens Friday and runs through April 29 at the theater, 245 E. High Street in Pottstown. Set  during a tight primary race in Desmoines, Iowa, it tells the story of Stephen Bellamy, a young, aggressive, talented, and tremendously successful press secretary for Governor Morris in his bid to run for President. Thrown into the scheming backroom politics of more seasoned operatives, Stephen struggles between the lust for power and loyalty to the cause. Named for the Metro Station that is the center of the Washington, D.C. lobbyist district, “Farragut North,” is now a major motion picture, “The Ides of March,” starring George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, and Philip Seymour Hoffman.Showtimes are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays.  There will be a talkback with the director and cast Sunday April 22. The show includes adult situations and language.Tickets are $17 for adults and $15 for students and seniors (65+).

Tickets may be purchased at http://www.tripac.org or at the door the night of the show if available.  As always, there are discounts for groups of 10 or more.  Check the website, or call the theater at 610-970-1199 for more information.

 Reading Community Players presents "Leading Ladies" April 20, 21, 27, 28 at 8 PM and April 22, 29 at 3 PM at the RCP Playhouse, 403 North 11^th Street Reading, PA

“In theatre, a farce is a comedy which aims at entertaining the audience by means of unlikely, extravagant, and improbable situations, disguise and mistaken identity” ...Wikipedia

Ken Ludwig, a modern master of farce who employs each of the elements listed above, is well know for the farcical Lend Me A Tenor and Moon Over Buffalo. In Leading Ladies, Ludwig continues the mayhem central to the farce. But it's the play's similarities to the 1950s film "Some Like it Hot" (starring Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe) and the 1980s television show "Bosom Buddies" (Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari) that will provide the biggest laughs. Because, like those predecessors, "Leading Ladies" offers something audiences can't get enough of - burly men (or somewhat burly men as the case may be) disguised as women.

Stranded in the States performing Scenes from Shakespeare in Moose Halls and Elk Lodges, English actors Leo and Jack are yearning for their big break or the money to finance said big break. After a disastrous performance in a rural Pennsylvania community, a chance encounter with a local paper leads them to York, Pa and what the two men hope will be the answer to their prayers for fame, fortune and a stop in LA.

You see, they have read about a wealthy, ailing dowager’s desperate search for her long lost relatives…Steve and Max. Eureka! The relatives emigrated to England decades ago, so Leo and Jack will assume their identities and claim their substantial inheritance.

Naturally, there is one problem after another that thwarts fame, fortune and LA. Therein lie the elements that portend a farce and the hilarity that will have audiences in stitches!

The show is directed by Tara Sands who directed "Lend Me A Tenor" for Fleetwood Community Theatre last season.

A free shuttle provided by the theater will be available from the Citadel parking lot at 12^th and Walnut streets. We suggest that drivers drop of passengers at the theater and then proceed to the lot at the Citadel.

Reservations may be made through Brown Paper Tickets, found at www.readingcommunityplayers.com or by calling the theater at 610-375-9106.

APRIL HIGHLIGHTS

Tri-County Performing Arts Center’s next play is “Farragut North,” a political thriller.  It opens April 20 and runs through April 29 at the theater, 245 E. High Street in Pottstown.Set  during a tight primary race in Desmoines, Iowa, it tells the story of Stephen Bellamy, a young, aggressive, talented, and tremendously successful press secretary for Governor Morris in his bid to run for President. Thrown into the scheming backroom politics of more seasoned operatives, Stephen struggles between the lust for power and loyalty to the cause. Named for the Metro Station that is the center of the Washington, D.C. lobbyist district, “Farragut North,” is now a major motion picture, “The Ides of March,” starring George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, and Philip Seymour Hoffman.Showtimes are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays.  There will be a talkback with the director and cast Sunday April 22. The show includes adult situations and language.Tickets are $17 for adults and $15 for students and seniors (65+).

Tickets may be purchased at http://www.tripac.org or at the door the night of the show if available.  As always, there are discounts for groups of 10 or more.  Check the website, or call the theater at 610-970-1199 for more information.

 

OTHER AREA  PRODUCTIONS

EPHRATA

Ephrata Performing Arts Center's Sharadin-Bigler Theater, Cocalico Street, Ephrata (717-733-7966)

“Xanadu," April 26 through May 12

GLENSIDE

Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside (215-572-7650)

Henson Alternative's "Stuffed & Unstrung," 8 p.m. April 17

HERSHEY

Hershey Theatre, 15 E. Caracas Ave., Hershey (717-534-3405)

"Memphis," April 10-15

KUTZTOWN

 Kutztown University, Rickenback Theater, Kutztown (610-683-4092)

KU Theatre Department presents "Waiting for Lefty," "Sure Thing" and "The Philadelphia," April 11-21

MALVERN

People’s Light & Theatre, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern (610-644-3500)  presents

* "Shipwrecked! An Entertainment — The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (As Told by Himself)" through April 15

* "A Wrinkle in Time," April 26 through May 20

PHILADELPHIA

Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. Second St., Philadelphia (215-922-1122)

 * "Cyrano" through April 15

* "Robin Hood," April 25 through June 17

Plays and Players Theater, 1714 Delancey St., Philadelphia (215-735-7356)

1812 Productions presents "Boston Marriage"; April 26 through May 20

Walnut Street Theatre – Main stage

* “God of Carnage,” a comedy of manners without the manners runs  through April 29. For tickets and information, call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets are also available online 24/7 by visiting www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.

* Walnut Street Theatre’s Independence Studio on 3 presents “Doubt – A Parable” thorugh April 15.

For tickets and information, call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787.

* Walnut Street Theatre for Kids presents

“Miss Nelson is Missing,” based on the books by Harry Allard, through April 20.

Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St., Philadelphia 19107 (215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787)

POTTSTOWN 

Tri-County Performing Arts Center, 245 E. High St. presents the political thriller ”Farragut North” April 20-29. The show includes adult situations and language.

Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and $13 for children 12 and under.Tickets may be purchased at http://www.tripac.org/ or at the door the night of the show if available.  As always, there are discounts for groups of 10 or more.  Check the website, or call the theater at 610-970-1199 for more information.

READING

Albright College Center for the Arts

Domino Players present “A Streetcar Named Desire, by Tennessee Williams April 20 – 22 & 26 – 28, all performances, 8 p.m., except Sunday matinee, 2:30 p.m., Wachovia Theatre on campus. Call the box office at (610) 921-7547 for prices/tickets. Friday, April 20, Free Talkback & Reception following performance (186218)

Sovereign Performing Arts Center, 136 N. Sixth St. (1-800-745-3000)

Broadway on Sixth Street Series presents "Damn Yankees"; 7:30 p.m. April 12

Reading Area Community College, Miller Center for the Arts, 4 N. Second St., Reading (610-607-6205)

* Family Sampler Series presents Visible Fictions' "Zorro"; 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. April 14

* Downtown Performing Arts Series presents New York Gilber & Sullivan Players' * "H.M.S. Pinafore"; 3 p.m. April 22

Downtown Performing Arts Series presents Vox Lumiere's "Metropolis"; 7:30 p.m. April 28

Reading Community Players

 "Leading Ladies"; April 20-29

 Reservations may be made by calling the theater at 610-374-0777

or through Brown Paper Tickets. A free shuttle service is offered by the

theatre from the parking lot at the 13th and Green School (enter at

Greenwhich Street) to the theatre and back.

Yocum Institute for Arts Education, 1100 Belmont Ave., Wyomissing (610-376-1576)

Primary Stages presents Jazz Fest for Kids, "Cloud Pictures" at 6:30 p.m.