Hilarity and surprises greeted the crowd at Grossmont College’s Stagehouse Theater‘s production of “Lucky Stiff.” Adapted from Michael Butterworth’s novel “The Lucky Stiff,” the troupe delivered an on-spot performance. And there is still time to see it as it is playing through March 19.
Hilarity and surprises greeted the crowd at Grossmont College’s Stagehouse Theater‘s production of “Lucky Stiff.” Adapted from Michael Butterworth’s novel “The Lucky Stiff,” the troupe delivered an on-spot performance. And there is still time to see it as it is playing through March 19.
Adapted and turned into a musical by Lynn Ahrens, “Lucky Stiff” revolves around an unassuming English shoe salesman Harry Witherspoon (Raymond Kazules) who is forced to take the preserved body of his recently murdered uncle (Ralph Johnson) on a vacation to Monte Carlo if he hopes to inherit $6 million. If he is unable to pass off his uncle as alive, the money goes to the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn.
Kazules was great in the lead role, playing Harry Witherspoon. His comedic timing was on the spot and just watching him run around the stage with a “dead” body was hilarious and pure entertainment.
The rest of the cast was excellent as well. Annabel Glick, the woman from the dog charity following Harry Witherspoon around, was exceptionally brilliant and Eric Durbin was amazing, as he had to play multiple roles. Durbin’s most memorable performance of the night was when he portrayed an old Texan being wheeled on stage in a wheelchair.
Amy Oliverio as Rita La Porta, Uncle Tony’s girlfriend, was obviously enjoying herself, running around the stage like a crazy person and doing a spot on New Jersey accent delivered her lines with a mischievous grin across her face. Her manic enthusiasm was contagious and the audience in constant hysterics.
The 1960s costume designs by Beth Duggan were very well chosen with care and the set by Craig Everett was well crafted in having more than one use, which saved time during set changes. The Stagehouse has once again brought a great art piece to life and nothing is funnier than the twist ending.
For more information about tickets or upcoming performances visit www.grossmont.edu.
