Starkville Community Theatre’s 38th season opens with the Thomas La Foe-directed production of Lewis Black’s “One Slight Hitch” today at 2 p.m. and Sept. 22-26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Playhouse on Main in downtown Starkville. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students.
The “part farce, part sit-com,” as characterized by director and Playhouse veteran Thomas La Foe, features an ensemble cast of SCT regulars and newcomers — Jackson Atkins, Graeme Buchanan, Addison Gordon, Heather McGinn, Maddy Monson, Justine Moser and Christopher Walrath — and is assistant directed by Sean Dyess.
The production is the first to take place since the Playhouse theater’s summer renovations.
“Our auditorium has brand new carpet, both on the risers and in the entry hallway, as well as a new metal railing up the steps of the risers,” explained SCT Chief Administrative Officer Gabe Smith. “The star of the show is our replacement seating, which is fresh, firm and very comfortable.”
SCT’s performance of “One Slight Hitch” is the in-state premiere for this show. “Perhaps even more exciting is that Lewis Black himself is aware of the production and is supportive of us. Our production dates are listed on his website, and he responded to an SCT Twitter post with his gratitude that we’re performing the show,” said Smith.
Wedding angst
The play’s plot revolves around a wedding day. The bride’s mother, Delia, is making sure everything is perfect. The groom is perfect, the dress is perfect, and the decorations (assuming they arrive) will be perfect. Then, as in any good farce, the doorbell rings. All hell breaks loose. So much for perfect.
Smith said, “We may be the first Mississippi theater to perform it, but I certainly don’t think we’ll be the last. It showcases an appealing mix of spiky humor and genuine heart that makes it more than just a joke-delivery machine.”
Director La Foe has been involved with SCT since 2000. When asked why he chose to direct “One Slight Hitch,” he explained, “I’m a big fan of Lewis Black and his comedy so I was interested to see that he wrote a show. You can definitely see some of his humor in the play, but you get to see a bit of his heart in it as well.” The show, he added, serves up a bit of nostalgia for those who remember and love the ’80s.
Smith agreed that audiences expect to laugh with a Lewis Black script. “And there are bawdy sight gags, one-liners and farcical fretting to cover that, but you may not expect the honest and sweetly sentimental affirmation of family, relationships and finding one’s self. I think it’s a great way to start the 2015-2016 season.”
Seating is limited at the playhouse at 108 E. Main St. in Starkville. To reserve tickets, contact the box office, 662-323-6855.
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