By Ashley Bradley/ne news editor
Lucky Stiff is a farce musical with a message.
NE Campus drama will perform the play at 8 p.m. May 5-8in the NE Playhouse with a matinee 2 p.m. Saturday.
“Anyone with a sense of humor will like the play,” said Alexandra Latham, who plays a showgirl.
Though the cast relates the play to Weekend at Bernie’s because a dead man sits in a wheelchair in almost every scene, they say the play also sends an important message about animals.
“It’s a play for animal lovers,” said Julie Kevelighan, who plays an extra. “I think it’s sweet how they talk about treating dogs well.”
Lucky Stiff is about a shoe salesman named Harry Witherspoon, bored with his life and craving some adventure.
“He is caught up in the monotony of living his everyday life,” said Joseph Tripp, who plays Witherspoon.
As if someone answered his prayers, an attorney tells him his uncle left him $6 million. But before he can receive it, he must do his dead uncle a favor and take him on a trip to Monte Carlo. If he does not fulfill the wish, then the money will go to the uncle’s favorite charity, a dog shelter. Because dogs have always been on Witherspoon’s bad side, he does not want to see the money go to the “dog house.”
“He is really quick to take the deal because it offers him some opportunity,” Tripp said. “I find myself very in sync with this character because I don’t take many chances. I’m trying to change that, just like Mr. Witherspoon.”
Both acts give audience members a hint to what is going to happen through the singing of “Something Funny’s Going On,” which details what will happen in the plot but does not reveal the major twist in the end.
“It’s fast, funny and smart,” said Christina Fares, who plays a tap dancer. “It’s a smart comedy with witty and energetic lines.”
Fares said kids will like the play because of the slapstick comedy, but adults will enjoy it because of all the adult humor, including a load of sexual humor. Latham agreed.
“It has a bunch of innuendoes that college students will think are hilarious, but I plan on bringing my little sister,” Latham said.
She also said that people who don’t usually like musicals will get a kick out of this one because of the storyline.
“It’s not going to be life-altering. It’s just going to be funny,” she said.
Director Susan Polster said she’s happy to produce the play this semester because the subject matter is so light-hearted and funny.
“It’s really stupid,” she said. “There’s absolutely nothing serious about this play.”
And that’s why she thinks it’s a must-see for any audience.
“This is more like going to see a modern comedy. It appeals to both men and women,” she said.
Throughout the show, the audience observes Witherspoon’s attitude change. He begins to enjoy life, inspiring others.
“You’re one lucky stiff, and so am I!” he says aloud when he decides to enjoy his trip with his dead uncle.
Tickets are free for TCC students, faculty and staff, $4 for seniors and other students and $6 for the general public. For more information or to make reservations, contact the box office at 817-515-6687 or neplayhouse@tccd.edu.
