'The Underpants' Going Down Next For Town Players
âThe Underpantsâ Going Down Next For Town Players
The Underpants, a 1920 German farce written by Carl Sternheim and adapted by Steve Martin, opens November 16 at Town Players of Newtown.
First performed off-Broadway at the Classic Stage Co. in March 2002, The Underpants portrays petty German bureaucrat Theo Maskeâs unusual problem: his pretty wifeâs underwear fell down in the middle of town as the king was going by in a local parade. His initial shock turns into concern about both his personal and professional reputation, and Theo (played by Tim Huebenthal) predicts that dire consequences will follow, lecturing wife Louise (Liesbet Higham) about her indiscretion. Little does he know that some of his calamitous predictions are about to take place right under his nose.
Theo is also unaware that his own chaste behavior in and out of the bedroom is frustrating his wife to no end. Nosy spinster neighbor Gertrude (Jennifer Gantwerker) has a plan to spice up Louiseâs love life.
Will Gertrudeâs plan succeed? Or will Theo manage to keep his lovely little wife under wraps? These are just a few surprises waiting in The Underpants, which will also include Jeffry Bukowski, Lester Colodny, Nick Kaye and Stephen Saxton in its cast.
Of writing this adaptation, Steve Martin said: âSternheimâs play is ribald, satirical, self-referential and quirky. I hope I have retained those elements and assured my place in heaven â I mean, served the playwrightâs intentions.â
According to director David Bass, âThe Underpants is one of the funniest plays Iâve read in years. The hardest part about directing this show has been keeping the actors from laughing at the many absurd lines and situations crafted by that master of comedy, Steve Martin.â
In addition to director Bass, the production crew includes producer Pam Meister Jones, assistant to the director Marla Manning, stage manager Claudia Toth, costume designer Barbara Norman, and lighting designer Jose Helu of Ridgefield.
The Underpants will runs weekends, November 16 to December 8. Curtain times are 8 pm Fridays and Saturdays, with 2 pm matinees on November 25 and December 2.
Tickets are $20 for the evening shows, $15 for matinee performances. Please note that November 16 and December 7 are sold-out benefit performances; call the box office for details on tickets for those shows.
Parents will also want to note that this production contains adult themes and language and may not be suitable for children under 12.
Reservations may be made by calling the box office at 203-270-9144 or by sending an email to reservations@newtownplayers.org. For further information, visit www.newtownplayers.org or email info@newtownplayers.org.
Town Playersâ Little Theatre is a community theater, currently in its 77th season, located at 18 Orchard Hill Road in Newtown.