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PHOTO: The cast of Gaslight Theater’s “Black Comedy” gathered at Hallowell City Hall Auditorium for a table read of the script on March 27. From left, Richard Bostwick, Jeff Cabral, Robyn DesLauriers, Mike Stiles, Kathleen Leopold, Lucy Rioux, Matthew Ferrin and Joe Blackwell. (Submitted photo)
HALLOWELL – Gaslight Theater’s 2023 Season of Laughter continues in April and May with Peter Shaffer’s “Black Comedy,” directed by Lucille Rioux.
The show will be performed at Hallowell City Hall Auditorium, 1 Winthrop St., over two weekends, including Sunday matinees, April 28, 29, 30 and May 5, 6, 7. Friday and Saturday shows start at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m.
“Black Comedy” is a one-act farce first performed in 1965. A young sculptor and his fiancée have borrowed some expensive antique furniture from a neighbor’s flat without his permission to impress a millionaire art collector. When the power fails, the neighbor returns early, other people arrive, adding to the drama. The premise is that light and dark are transposed, so that when the stage is lit, the cast is supposed to be in darkness and only when the stage is dark are they able to see each other and their surroundings.
Matthew Ferrin, of Augusta, will perform as Brindsley Miller, a young sculptor. His fiancée, Carol Melkett, will be played by Kathryn Ross, of Gardiner. Michael Stiles, of Readfield, will play Carol’s father, Colonel Melkett. The part of Clea, Brindsley’s ex, will be performed by Robyn DesLauriers, of Gardiner. Kathleen Leopold, of Richmond, will play Miss Furnival. Jeff Cabral, of Biddeford, will play antique shop owner Harold Gorringe. Joe Blackwell, of Waterville, will play Schuppanzigh, a German refugee. Gaslight Theater’s Richard Bostwick, of Hallowell, will play millionaire art collector Georg Samberger.
Gaslight Theater’s production of “Black Comedy” is sponsored by Free ME from Lung Cancer. Gaslight Theater’s 2023 Season of Laughter has been made possible by Season Sponsor E.J. Perry Construction Co. and Turner Publishing, Media Sponsor. Other upcoming productions in this season are “The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon” in July, “Charley’s Aunt” in November and “Jellofish,” dates to be announced.
Founded in 1937 as the Augusta Players, Gaslight Theater is the oldest continuously operating community theater in Maine. Productions have taken place in Hallowell City Hall since the late 1970s, generally four shows a year, usually in late winter, early summer, late summer, and the fall, featuring a balance of musicals, mysteries, comedies, classics and new or experimental plays.
Tickets to “Black Comedy” are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors. Cash, check and credit card are accepted at the door. For reservations (not required) call 207-626-3698. For information, or to buy tickets online, visit gaslighttheater.org.
