Culture
Scene One Theatre Provides Slapstick Laughs with “Out of the Frying Pan”
By: Bryan Gibson
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Looking for some good old-fashioned fun this summer?
Look no further than Out of the Frying Pan, the latest production from Scene One Theater, being presented Aug. 1-2 and 9-10 at Alexander High School in Albany.
Set in 1940, the play follows six would-be-actors who have rented an apartment together with hopes of eventually making it to Broadway.
It’s no coincidence that the apartment is directly above that of Broadway producer Arthur Kenny, as the three guys and three gals have been rehearsing his recent play nonstop. Now they must convince him to come up and see their acting abilities and give them all parts in his murder mystery.
With a bit of luck, they convince Kenny to come upstairs, but chaos ensues when their acting becomes all too real and the police are called to investigate.
Directed by Scene One member Amy Brinkley, the production stars several Alexander High students, as well as Ohio University students and community members. When asked why Scene One picked Out of the Frying Pan for its summer production, Brinkley said the troupe was looking for something different this time around.
“We wanted to do a family-friendly slapstick comedy,” she explained. “I grew up watching reruns of The Dick Van Dyke Show and I Love Lucy, and this play is in that vein. I think it will get a lot of laughs.”
However, there was one challenge the cast and crew faced when they picked a period piece: the costumes.
“Thanks to the efforts of Christy Robe, we were able to find bits and pieces from area thrift stores,” said Brinkley. “The ABC Players and Stuart’s Opera House helped with the rest, for which we’re very grateful.”
Tickets are $9 for adults and $7 for students, and will be available at the door. Children age four and under will be admitted free of charge.
Visit www.scene1theatre.com for more information.