The Wetumpka Depot Players will present Unnecessary Farce by Paul Slade Smith, April 24 throughMay 10.
Smith is a face familiar to River Region audiences as Scrooge in the Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s A Christmas Carol. He has written a gem of a new farce. Smith sets up two bumbling cops orchestrating a sting operation in a cheap hotel to catch the confession of an embezzling mayor on hidden cameras. What could go wrong? Smith throws in all the tropes of farce — mistaken identities, eight doors and characters running around in their underwear to create an evening of fast-paced, laugh-out-loud theatre.
“I'm thrilled that for my Wetumpka Depot Players directing debut I get to present this sharp, witty, and zany show,” director Jackie Viskup said. “Smith's hilarious script leaps off the page through the talents and hard work of this dedicated cast, enhanced by brilliant designers and a skilled crew. I hope this show's humorous lens on unlikely heroes standing up to greed and corruption provides deep belly laughs for all.”
Supporting Viskup will be Brandon Vick with lighting design; Ryan Sozzi in costume design; Russell Bush with sound design; Adrian Lee Bush with intimacy direction; and Hannah Meherg in stage management.
The cast is Ethan Montgomery playing Eric Sheridan; Leanna Wallace as Billie Dwyer; Bethany Warman as Karen Brown; Scott Rouse plays Mayor Meekly; Henri Cheramie is Agent Frank; Cole Hamric has the role of Todd; and Rebecca May is Mary Meekly.
Unnecessary Farce runs approximately two hours long, including a 15-minute intermission. It is recommended for ages 16-plus.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances are at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20. Student rush tickets are $10 at the door. Tickets can be ordered online at wetumpkadepot.com or purchased in person.
The Depot will honor first responders with a complimentary ticket when they present ID at the box office.
The Wetumpka Depot is located at 300 S. Main St.
