The Theatre Department’s spring production of Paul Slade Smith’s “Unnecessary Farce” promises an evening of “pure entertainment,” according to director Damian Ernest, associate professor of theatre. The fast-moving comedy in the R.G. Brown Theater at UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County performs from April 21-24.
“Sometimes we just want to make people laugh – it’s therapeutic,” says Ernest, who is helming the contemporary comedy with a cast of seven, plus three students behind the scenes. With two police officers, one on her very first stakeout, an embezzling mayor in the adjoining hotel room, a hit man, and an accountant who always seems to end up without clothes, there’s plenty of confusion, quick entrances and exits, and surprises, as the situation slowly spins apart.
“There’s door slamming, misunderstandings, fast-paced knockabout comedy. The usual,” according to Ernest.
Ernest says he and the company hope to give the audience a chance to share in the power of play – and the laughter that builds and builds as the story unfolds. It’s a task they’ve taken seriously through rehearsals.
“Working on a play like this is a blessing – and a responsibility,” says Ernest.
Performances are Thursday-Saturday, April 21-23, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 24, at 2 p.m. Advance tickets are at tickets.uwplatt.edu, or may be purchased at the door. Admission is $12, or $5 for students with ID, and the production is rated PG-13 for some adult situations and language.