The comedy, The Servant of Two Masters, at Pratt Community College’s Carpenter Auditorium, has been moved back a week to April 18 and 19 at 7:30 PM and April 20 at 2 PM. Because of the success of two cast members and their team in getting to National Academic Quiz Competition, the play -- which was originally scheduled for a week earlier – made way for the team to compete in St. Louis at the nationals. In addition, PCC’s Club International will once again be sponsoring a 5:30 PM dinner before only the Sat. April 19th performance.
This play by Carlo Goldoni, in a modern adaptation by Dorothy Louise, is a funny and wild romp of a comedy. Based on the improvisational theatre of the Italian Renaissance, called Commedia Dell Arte’, the show is full of physical comedy, mistaken identities, and slapstick.
The story centers on a servant, Truffaldino, played by Roger Harris of Pratt, who tries to serve two different noblemen at once. These two are played by Andrew Taylor of Pratt and Emily Ernstmann of Andale. Emily’s character is actually a noblewoman, Beatrice, who is in disguise as her brother, Federigo. Obviously, this whole situation leaves the play open for lots of comedic complications.
Andrew’s character, Florindo, is in love with Beatrice and wants to marry her, while another set of lovers is trying to marry: Paul Markey of Olathe and Ashley Ciesielski of Cheney. The parents in all of this mix-up are Joe Schmisseur of Pratt, PCC vocal music director JJ Rupe, and Amanda Cash of Pratt.
Additional characters include the servant Smeraldina, played by Brandy Alexander of Pratt; Brighella the innkeeper, played by Jamie Durler of Pratt; and a host of servants, played to great comedic effect by Jessica Harris, Brittany Jean, Audrey Kisner, and Sam Morrison – all of Pratt – as well as Michelle Leddy of Conway Springs and Aaron Wendland of St. John.
Technical director is Charles Collins with costumes by Misty Beck. The director is Rose Beilman.
Fortunately, with the change in dates of the play, no cast members had to be replaced, and Schmisseur and Leddy will still be able to compete with their Academic Excellence team in the St. Louis competition.
Also, fortunately, Rhonda Westerhaus and her Club International will be presenting Italian pastas, bread, and veggies, along with desserts of Mary Wenrich’s kolaches, Joyce Frey’s spumoni torte, and RoseAnn Lunt’s tiramisu. For the dinner and play, it is $17 for a single ticket or $30 for two. Call Rhonda Westerhaus at 620-450-2195 or 450-2202 for dinner theatre reservations.
Play admission is a suggested $4 donation, with tickets at the door. For more information about the play, contact Rose Beilman at roseb@prattcc.edu or call her at 450-2209.
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