One Man Two Guvnors

Vintage Theatre and Spotlight Theatre: 2/5 – 3/27

 

                     Luke Allen Terry as Francis Henschall

“One Man, Two Guvnors” is the modern offspring of a 1746 play by Carlo Goldoni called “The Servant of Two Masters.” In this contemporary version the characters reflect those of the Renaissance style of theatre called Commedia dell’arte.

     In order to modernize the play, playwright Richard Bean has taken these characters out of the Italian piazza and placed them stage center in the tradition of the English music hall.

     Both stages are famous for their brash, clownish, slapstick brand of comedy.

     Luke Allen Terry portrays Francis Henschall, the central character; and like his 18^th century ancestor, Truffaldino,he’s constantly on the lookout for a good dinner as well as excellent between meal snacks. Some believe that since the show does not end with Francis getting his wish for a great meal satisfied, but with a kiss from his girl friend, that he was really hungering for love.

     Mr. Terry’s very fine performance is full of the requisite pratfalls, physical comedy and inspired lunacy for which this style of theatre is known.

     Michael O’Shea and Scott Hogg play the two “guvnors” Francis serves.

     Some of the familiar faces you will recognize in the cast are: Molly Killoran, Wade Livingston, Lisa Young and Eddie Schumacher.

     Mr. Schumacher does some hilarious work as Alfie, a doddering butler who receives almost as much comic abuse as Mr. Terry.

  This farce is full of mistaken identities, love triangles and even a dollop of audience participation.

     The scenes are bridged with upbeat Music Hall tunes to which the entire cast dances the scenery off the stage and then back on.

     So if you relish an evening of comic escapism that’s silly and all for fun, this could be just your cup of tea.

     Director Linda Suttle paces the show at a gallop.

 Marlowe's Musings

Vintage & Spotlight Theatres

"One Man, Two Guvnors"

Feb. 5 – Mar. 26

A brilliantly mash-up of mistaken identities, outrageous farce and inspired lunacy.

Fri/Sat at 7:30 p.m.; Sun at 2:30 p.m.; Monday, February 15 at 2:30 p.m.; Saturday March 26 at 2:30 p.m.

$24 - $30                                                                                                                          

303-856-7830 or online at www.vintagetheatre.org

Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora 80010