September 22, 2020
Story and photos by Joe Vinduska
It’s about to get wacky in the Fine Arts Auditorium as 鶹 Theatre presents its fall production “Charley’s Aunt,” by Brandon Thomas. The show will have four runs at the following dates and times with social distancing guidelines being followed and live-stream tickets also available: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3 and 2 p.m. Oct. 4. Tickets can be purchased at theatre.bartonccc.edu.
Grady Bolding, 33, of Great Bend who plays “Lord Fancourt Babberley” said the play is a great way to escape mentally.
“It’s been a tough year for everyone and it’s time for a good laugh,” he said. “This is a performance by solid professionals young and old.”
James Mayes, 35, of Ellsworth who plays “Charley” agreed that the lighthearted nature of the show is much-needed right now.
“This show has witty, fast-paced banter, inside jokes and breaches of the fourth wall, as well as fantastic performances by some very gifted actors,” he said. “I think anyone and everyone that would enjoy a break from reality for even a little while to be entertained by some fantastic art should most definitely make it out to see this great performance. ‘The key to a long life is lots of laughter.’ I'm not sure who said that or where that quote came from but I guarantee they were very old and very funny!”
The idea to do a show full of laughs came from the top down. Theatre Director Miller James loved the not-so-serious pacing of the show and made it an easy choice for him.
“I wanted a play that would allow us to escape,” he said. “Instead of doing a dire play about hazmat suits, I wanted fun and escapism … the audience can expect hilarity and a moment to enjoy the present. We can’t assume to know what tomorrow brings, but this theatrical presentation allows us a moment where what we know now might bring hope for reconciliation, and, of course…love.”
For more information contact James at millerj@bartonccc.ed or (620) 792-9205 to set up an appointment.