February Brings Political Comedy

 
February brings many things:  cold weather, Valentines, Black History Month, and Super Tuesday.  Every recent newscast tells us the latest on the political landscape.

 

What better time, therefore, for Halifax County Little Theatre to present “Lying in State,” a political comedy guaranteed to leave you feeling better about what looks to be a long election year.

Directed by Becky Donner, “Lying in State” is inspired by the 2000 Missouri election that had a deceased Senate candidate actually defeat John Ashcroft, who later became the United States Attorney General.  The absurdity of that election must have tickled the funny bone of playwright David Hyde, who then penned the delightful comedy.

“Lying in State” is set in a funeral parlor, and the deceased is a state senator, Ed, who had been running for reelection.  Unfortunately, his popularity numbers were down, and he was expected to lose the election.  However, he has defended his home against intruders and lost his life, and suddenly his numbers are up.

Quick to capitalize on his newfound popularity is his campaign manager, Herb, played by Troy Bowman, who now must find a replacement candidate. The first person he turns to is Edna, the deceased’s former wife, who has come to help bury Ed.  Portrayed by Dorothy Fensterer, Edna wants nothing to do with the campaign.

She just wants to bury the man and move on.  Both Troy and Dorothy are remembered for another February comedy a few years ago, “Come Blow Your Horn,” and are back to bring more laughs.

But there are others who enter the picture.  There is Wally, Herb’s assistant, who is also the governor’s son (Devin Hall); and Buttons, Ed’s fiancée, who appears to be interested in the senate seat (Annette Woolard).  Both experienced performers, Devin and Annette have appeared in many shows.  Little Theatre goers might remember Annette as the British cook who stole the show in last winter’s “Don’t Dress for Dinner.”

Complicating the story even further is Ed’s brother, Harry, played by Greg Donner, who might be willing to finance the campaign if his name is put in the pot.

For the past few years, Greg has been wearing the director’s hat for Little Theatre, but he is equally comfortable on stage in comedic roles.

Adding to the comedy is Linda Shepperd as Margo, the woman from Parlor C whose husband is in the next room.  Margo appears much more interested in visiting Ed’s parlor though, as she has never met a state senator, dead or alive.  Margo’s wackiness fits Linda’s style of humor, and audiences won’t want to miss Linda’s first time on stage in a few years.
Finally, rounding out the picture is the governor, Wally’s father, who comes to pay his respects to Ed.  Newcomer Martin Beekman from Clarksville portrays the governor, but he is no newcomer to the stage.  Martin recently retired from the University of Virginia as a theater professor and obviously has much experience in the theatre arena.  Audiences will appreciate his stage presence and trained voice as he brings the governor to life.  And of course, even the governor has secrets that come out in humorous fashion.

Assisting Becky is Sarah Graves, as stage manager.  The two have worked closely together over the years as Graves has filled various roles in helping out with Becky’s productions at Halifax County High School.  Most recently, she served as dialect coach to the HCHS fall production of “Pride and Prejudice.”

“Lying in Stage” opens at the Prizery’s Chastain Theatre on Friday evening, February 15, just in time for a delightful Valentine weekend evening out.  The show will continue Saturday night at 8:00 and on Sunday for a 3:00 matinee.

The show will also run the following week on Thursday through Saturday nights.  Tickets will be $15 for adults and $5 for students.  Call the Prizery at 572-8339 for tickets or stop by the Prizery box office.

 

Since the show only runs two weeks, theater goers will want to get their seats early so as not to miss out on the fun.  Make “Lying in State” part of your Super February.