OLRC hopes audience takes laughs with them
The Old Lyric Repertory Company opens the 39th summer season with the Broadway comedy “You Can’t Take It With You” Thursday, June 16, through Saturday, June 18, at the Caine Lyric Theatre in historic downtown Logan. Curtain time is 8 p.m. during the run, with a matinee beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday to accompany the evening performance. The Caine Lyric Box Office is open Monday through Saturday noon to 6 p.m. and noon to 8 p.m. on performance days for ticket reservations at 28 West Center Street, or by calling (435) 752-1500.
The Old Lyric Repertory Company is an advanced production program operated by the department of theatre in association with the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at Utah State University.
OLRC founder Vosco Call directs the farce, written by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman. Call said the comedy is about the zany, free-spirited Sycamore family.
“The happy madness of the Sycamores is a stark contrast to the unhappy Kirbys, and when her future in-laws arrive at the door for dinner one night earlier than expected, Alice Sycamore is convinced that marriage to Tony is out of the question. This fated romance is resolved with the help of Grandpa Vanderhof, the IRS, fireworks, a snake or two (fake) and several other surprises.”
Call said the production is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
“This play has been revived because of nostalgia, and it is set during a time where the world is a more relaxed and gentle place,” he said. “WWI has ended, as well as the Great Depression, and happiness does not necessarily mean wealth or possessions. I hope the audience can affectionately recall a time in their past that was a period of happiness much like this.”
The OLRC’s production of “You Can’t Take It With You” is cast with a number of OLRC veterans, alongside new members. Glenn Shadix (“Beetlejuice,” “Planet of the Apes”) is set for his Caine Lyric debut as Mr. Kirby, and Bart Williams, visiting artist from California, takes on the role of Grandpa Vanderhof.
“These guest artists are sure to keep the stage hopping with immense talent and energy,” said Call.
Other newcomers to the OLRC include Corey Ewan as Paul Sycamore, Hollie Campbell as Essie, Autumn Sargent as Rheba, Megan Walker as Alice, Dan Merket as Boris, Katie Ackerman as Gay Wellington and Leecia Bloss as Mrs. Kirby.
Lee Daily (Mr. De Pinna) and Keri Hostetler (Penelope Sycamore) lead the band of OLRC veterans in the production. Tyson Smith, Jed Broberg, Richie Call, Edye Wagstaff, Kent Hadfield and Cory Castillo are all names that have been in OLRC programs in the recent past.
“The play is colorful and fun, and the characters are individuals who attend to their passions with abandon,” Call said. “They are happy – sometimes irrational – but happy. Perhaps we can learn something from them.”
The OLRC box office operates noon to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, May 16 to June 11, and noon to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, June 13 through August 13. The Caine Lyric box office number is (435) 752-1500. Tickets are also available through the Ellen Eccles box office at (435) 752-0026, extension 14. Ticket prices range from $8 to $17. Season subscriptions are available at discounted rates in a number of options. For more information on tickets, call (435) 797-1500 or visit the OLRC Web site at www.usu.edu/lyric.
The Old Lyric Repertory Company’s promotional events for the summer include “Senior Date Night,” which provides two-for-one pricing for senior citizens every Tuesday and Wednesday evening performances, the “Student Rush,” which gives current Utah State University students the opportunity to purchase half price tickets 15 minutes prior to curtain every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening performance, and the “OLRC Promo Jeep.”
New this season is the inaugural OLRC Benefit Gala. The “gala” includes an opportunity to meet and mingle with OLRC members, a catered dinner at Hamilton’s Steak and Seafood, a cabaret style evening of entertainment by OLRC members and a ticket to a 2005 production. Tickets for the gala are $50. Inquiries and reservations can be made at (435) 797-1500.
Complete details for the 2005 season, including the production schedule, are available online at www.usu.edu/lyric. For a free brochure, and to be added to the mailing list call (435) 797-3046. For general and ticket inquiries call (435) 797 -1500.
The OLRC is supported by grants and gifts from the Marie Eccles Caine Foundation, the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation, the College of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences at Utah State University, the Cache County Restaurant/RAPZ Tax, the Utah Arts Council and the Bridgerland Travel Council.