The Little Theatre of Jefferson City will premiere its version of the slapstick comedy "Inspecting Carol" on Thursday, Oct. 9.
At a glance
[]Directed by Terry Seabaugh and written by Daniel Sullivan, the show is a play within a play. It's about a theater group preparing to perform the Dickens' favorite "A Christmas Carol." A newcomer auditions and is mistaken for an inspector for the National Endowment for the Arts. Everyone caters to the bewildered actor, portrayed by Drew Reynolds. In the second act, the real inspector shows up and the mistaken identity causes pranks and slapstick fun.
Seabaugh said this cast is really an ensemble cast and includes Michelle Baker as the artistic director of the group; Alan Bailey as Sidney Carlton, a founding member of the group; Brian Harper is Larry Vauxhall, also a founding member of the group. Rounding out the cast are: Ameir Smith, Lucia Kinchloe, Jim Rhoades, Grant Borland, Troy Ludwig, Nancy Luehrman, John Wells and Rene Miserez.
"The show is very fast-paced," said Seabaugh. " I was amazed when we timed the first act and it ran under an hour."
The action takes place in the early '90s and Seabaugh said this posed a few challenges with costumes, such as convincing boys that the colorful tennis shoes worn today were not worn in the '90s. Costumes are a mixture of what the cast wears in "Christmas Carol" and their ordinary street clothes.
The set is somewhat unusual, showing seating of some of the audience and on the left is a thrust stage set for "Christmas Carol." The audience gets a glimpse of what goes on backstage through a brick arch. It is a single set and never moves.
Seabaugh said there are a few special effects such as puppets popping out of the costume of Christmas Present and a tombstone that also suddenly appears.
"The cast and I have been racking our brains to make sure that we can make these effects work," Seabaugh said.
Seabaugh said she was on the play reading committee that chose the show and she put in her bid to direct.
"I was delighted to be chosen to direct, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The cast is great and the quick action is fun," she said.
Barb Schmutzler is the production manager for the show and echoed the sentiments of Seabaugh about the fun and slapstick comedy.
She said Mark Rehagen has done a great job with set construction, as has Marcia Stegemann as set decorator.
The costumes are handled by Seabaugh and cast member Luehrman.
Helping with props are Gail Clements and Anne Steele who have had fun making and building all sorts of unusual things.
Both Seabaugh and Schmutzler urged people to come out and see the show.
"We hope the public will enjoy the fun and comedy of the show when they see it," Seabaugh said.
At a glance
What: "Inspecting Carol" by The Little Theatre of Jefferson City
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday (Oct. 9-11)
Where: Miller Performing Arts Center, 501 Madison St.
Tickets: $15, available at 573-681-9400 and at box office at Miller from 5:30 p.m. today (Oct. 6) through show nights.