A "farce" in many definitions is associated with buffoonery, horseplay and ludicrously improbable events -- audiences might find all of those things in The Little Theatre of Jefferson City's latest laugh-out-loud production.
TLT presents "Farce of Nature" at 7:15 p.m. Feb. 17-19 at the Miller Performing Arts Center, 501 Madison St. Tickets are $10 for children 12 and younger, and $15 for adults. It's rated PG-13 for some mature themes.
The play is set at Reel Em Inn fishing lodge deep in the Arkansas woods. Nine characters come to the lodge grappling with their own dilemmas -- two gangsters from Chicago; a man who owns the lodge and his wife, who's seeking to rekindle romance in their 32-year marriage; a budding actor seeking his big break; and a man in witness protection seeking refuge.
"All nine characters have their own dilemma that they need to overcome -- they all just happen to meet at this fishing lodge in Arkansas to find a solution," director Mary Jo LaCorte said.
"Farce of Nature" was written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, who understand community theater and comedy well, LaCorte said -- "but not all farces like this one," she added.
She said the intention in choosing a fast-paced, funny play was responding to the times. After more than two years in a pandemic, the theater wanted to choose something people could laugh at, farces and all.
Along with that, most of the actors have worked in comedic roles before, so they understand the pacing of the play, when to add slapstick moments or to reel it in for a poignant scene. Due to COVID-19 cases and snow, they've also shown dedication as rehearsal time has been cut shorter than with other productions, LaCorte said.
That experience in comedy has also helped the chemistry between actors, she added. One of her favorite interactions has been between Wanelle Wilburn, played by Maggie Eggen, and her on-stage husband, D. Gene Wilburn, played by Don Otto. In her efforts to reignite their marriage, Ms. Wilburn turns to hypnotism, and of course, it results in more chaos than expected.
"I'm still laughing at it," she said. "The sound and lights folks, those backstage, when they come in and watch, they're not just chuckling. It's pretty funny."
In a pinnacle moment, nature gets involved, and the characters are forced to grapple with bigger issues as the lodge is surrounded by wild animals. The truth comes out, family grows closer and identities are revealed, in surprising ways.
Is there a takeaway? You'll have to cast your net to find out -- but it will split your gills.
Tickets are available by phone at 573-681-9400 or by emailing [email protected]. For other questions, call the theater's information line at 573-635-0657.
Natalie Wittenberger “drinks” from a bottle during “Farce of Nature” play rehearsal on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022 at the little Theatre of Jefferson City. The play premieres on Thursday, Feb. 17. (Ethan Weston/News Tribune photo)
Treaver Woehr and Terry Schoonover run their lines during “Farce of Nature” play rehearsal on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022 at the little Theatre of Jefferson City. The play premieres on Thursday, Feb. 17. (Ethan Weston/News Tribune photo)