04 Oct One Man, Two Guvnors Makes KC Area Debut at OCTA!
Opening Weekend Audiences Enjoy Big Laughs and Live Music!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Charlotte Gilman
913-484-1651 | asgcroc@aol.com
Tickets: www.olathetheatre.org | Reservations: 913-782-2990 or tickets@olathetheatre.org
Olathe, KS (Original Release Oct. 4, 2016; Update Oct. 21, 2016) – Welcome to swingin’ England! Olathe Civic Theatre Association (OCTA) continues its 2016-2017 season with the Kansas City area premiere of the British comedy One Man, Two Guvnors by Richard Bean and directed by Rick Bumgardner, now running October 21-23 and 28-30.
Official publicity photos and the video spot, Inside OCTA, are now available! Check out http://olathetheatre.org/one-man-two-guvnors-publicity-photos/ for cast and band pictures and find the YouTube video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w2J730tPTY or on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/olathecivictheatre/.
In this madcap farce set in 1963, Francis Henshall, recently fired from his skiffle band, finds himself working for both a gangster and a criminal in hiding, both of whom are linked in a web of schemes, extortions, and romantic associations. On top of his ravenous, fish-and-chips appetite, he must juggle working two jobs and keep his own identities straight. To prevent discovery, Francis must do everything he can to keep his two “guv’nors” apart. James Corden received a Tony Award in 2012 for his portrayal of Francis.
Adding to the fun is a live band composed of two guitars, a bass, and a washboard. When asked about his favorite aspects of the show, director Rick Bumgardner shared “I love the incorporation of the skiffle band which bridges the scenes with music and provides further opportunities to relate to the audience during a time that is normally incredibly technical.” Bumgardner also noted that the show is in the style of commedia dell’arte and is based on Carlo Goldoni’s 1784 popular Italian comedy The Servant of Two Masters.
This is Bumgardner’s debut at OCTA as director and he relishes the chance to use the intimate stage for the “quick and quirky” physical and witty comedy. “The effort that [the board] demonstrates in making this community theatre survive moved me to want to help them and the theatre in any way that I could.” To that end, he hopes audiences will feel that “they experience a show that compares to some of the very best they’ve ever seen.” When not directing or operating Morning Glory Antiques, Inc., he teaches acting and enjoys the craft of the theatre.
Starring in the cast of One Man, Two Guvnors are Peter Leondedis (Francis Henshall), David Martin (Stanley Stubbers), Joshua Gleeson (Alfie), Lindsay Roland (Rachel Crabbe), Ellie DeShon (Dolly), Chuck Duer (Charlie Clench), Kim Hentges (Pauline Clench), Zachary Weaver (Alan Dangle), Alecia Stultz (Harriet Dangle), Larry Goodman (Lloyd Boateng), Liz Kerlin (Careth/Sides), Ted Collins (Policeman/Clarence), and Richard J. Burt (Policeman/Taxi Driver).
The skiffle band features Drew Ackelson (Guitar), Jay Kassen (Guitar), Denny Jones (Bass), and Bill Dunn (Washboard).
Bumgardner is joined by a dedicated production staff to create the world of this over-the-top show including: Betsy Sexton (stage manager), Terry Erbe (set designer), Chuck Cline (lighting designer), Julie Ewing (costumes), Camille Lerch (light operator), and Shari Wassergord-Johnson (properties).
One Man, Two Guvnors runs three weekends, October 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, and 30 with Friday and Saturday night shows at 8 pm and Sunday matinees at 2 pm. To purchase tickets, visit www.olathetheatre.org. Subscribers can make reservations by calling the theatre reservation hotline at 913-782-2990 or by emailing tickets@olathetheatre.org. This show is appropriate for ages 14 and above.
About Olathe Civic Theatre Association
Olathe Civic Theatre Association is a 501c3 organization producing theatre in Olathe since 1974. Performing in the Buddy Rogers Family Playhouse, OCTA produces five high-quality, engaging, and thought-provoking theatre productions a year. Through the generosity of volunteers, season ticket holders, donors, and the City of Olathe, OCTA has grown into one of the most progressive community theaters in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Social and Digital Media
Receive daily updates by ‘liking’ OCTA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/olathecivictheatre and follow OCTA on Twitter at @OCTATheatre. High resolution photos can be downloaded from http://olathetheatre.org/one-man-two-guvnors-publicity-photos/.
Upcoming in the 2016-2017 Season
One Man, Two Guvnors
October 14 – 30, 2016 |By Richard Bean | Directed by Rick Bumgardner
In this madcap comedy, the permanently ravenous fish-and-chip eating Francis Henshall finds himself working for both a gangster and a criminal in hiding, both of whom are linked in a web of schemes, extortions, and romantic associations. To prevent discovery, Francis must do everything he can to keep his two “guv’nors” apart.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 2 – 18, 2016 | By Barbara Robinson | Directed by Lana Jensen
The beloved Young Adult book of the same name comes to life in this hilarious Christmas classic. A couple struggles to put on a church Christmas pageant but they are faced with casting the Herdman kids -probably the most inventively awful kids in history. The Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on for nonstop laughs.
Poor Relations
February 17 – March 5, 2017 | By Robert Flaherty Hart | Directed by Tina Morrison
This original play by Kansas City native Robert Flaherty Hart takes place in suburban St. Louis, where decades-old secrets are uncovered as three adult siblings navigate their changing relationships and uncertain futures. When one of the three comes into a substantial fortune, will it soothe old wounds and lead to forgiveness or drive a permanent wedge into already shaky bonds?
New Works Playwright Competition (Special Event)
March 10 – 11, 2017
See 10-15 minute teasers of five plays written by local playwrights, then vote on the one you’d like to see workshopped as a full-length play at OCTA!
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
April 21 – May 7, 2017 | By Christopher Durang | Directed by Nino Casisi
Middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia share a home in Bucks County, PA, where they bicker and complain about the circumstances of their lives. Suddenly, their movie-star sister, Masha, swoops in with her new boy toy, Spike. Old resentments flare up, eventually leading to threats to sell the house. Adding to the ensemble are sassy maid Cassandra, who can predict the future, and Nina, a lovely young aspiring actress.
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Please direct all media inquiries to: Charlotte Gilman at 913-484-1651 (cell) or asgcroc@aol.com.
For further information or tickets, please visit our Web site at www.olathetheatre.org.
Reservations can be made by calling the reservation hotline at 913-782-2990 or by writing tickets@olathetheatre.org.
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