Take the great comic mind of a 17th century playwright and mix it with 21st century comedy writers, and you get the funniest version of Moliere's "Scapin" yet. Hope Summer Repertory Theatre's (HSRT) updated version of "Scapin" opens at 8 p.m. on July 29 on the DeWitt Theatre mainstage.
Take the great comic mind of a 17th century playwright and mix it with 21st century comedy writers, and you get the funniest version of Moliere's "Scapin" yet. Hope Summer Repertory Theatre's (HSRT) updated version of "Scapin" opens at 8 p.m. on July 29 on the DeWitt Theatre mainstage.
But HSRT takes it one step further by putting the show in the hands of director James Saba, whose own comedy roles at HSRT have made him an audience favorite.
Comic writers Bill Irwin ("Pickle Family Circus") and Mark O'Donnell ("Saturday Night Live") join forces with Moliere to tell the story of the scheming and mischievous servant, Scapin, who swindles two fathers into providing the funds for their sons? romantic misadventures.
This distinctly contemporary, vaudeville-style take on this classic comedy has it all -- mistaken identities, slamming doors, young love, and of course, a chase.
Saba realized the comedy style in the play reflected much of the comedy from the early black and white, silent film comedies. So this production is in black and white, which includes costumes and sets. Plus, Saba plays off the silent movie antics throughout the play.
Kevin Lind, who has captivated audiences with his role as the Cat in the Hat in HSRT's production of "Seussical," takes on the role of Scapin, which Moliere himself played in the opening. Actors Mark Goetzinger and Chip Duford play the fathers, while Sam Holloway and Eric Van Tassell play the love-struck sons.
In addition to the July 29 opening, "Scapin" will also run on July 30, August 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, and 13. HSRT has less than one month left in its hectic schedule, with "Seussical" and "Bedroom Farce" closing by the end of July.
While at the ticket office, be sure to reserve tickets for the other HSRT mainstage show, the musical "Spitfire Grill." HSRT's "second stage" show is the comedy-drama, "Drawer Boy," while Holland's Park Theatre is home to HSRT's popular cabaret offering, "Happy Holidaze!." The Children's Performance Troupe is presenting Jon Scieszka's "The True Stories of the Three Pigs and The Frog Prince (cont'd)" and Dennis Foon's "The Short Tree and the Bird Who Could Not Sing."
The ticket office is located in the DeWitt Center, on the Hope College campus, at the corner of 12th Street and Columbia Avenue in Holland. Prices range from $8-$25 for musicals, and $8-$18 for plays. Season coupons, ranging from $42-$60 are also available. Ticket office hours are 10 a.m-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and one hour before all show times. Tickets may also be purchased by calling 616-395-7890. For more information visit www.hope.edu/hsrt.