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Smith (Michael Kelly, far left), a Cleveland mobster, with Senora (Meg Mark), the hotel manage,r and Porter (Mark Ryan Anderson, far right), are at the Caribbean resort where Smith¿s suitcase of money has disappeared. (Photos contributed / July 7, 2012) |
Happy-go-lucky Zumba instructor June (Kimberly Shepherd) gets a number of surprises while on holiday in the Caribbean in Pioneer Playhouse’s upcoming production of “Bottoms Up!”
Director Robby Henson said “Bottoms Up!” is the second reprisal at the playhouse this season. The first was “Picasso at the Lapin Agile.” Both shows were performed more than 10 years ago.
“Both were plays that stuck in our memory for different reasons,” Henson explained. “‘Picasso at the Lapine Agile’ was chosen because it presented challenging ideas and played to the head. ‘Bottoms Up!’ is a classic farce that plays to the funny bone.
“During our previous run, (“Bottoms Up!”) proved to be one of our most successful plays at the box office and was a huge crowd favorite because it is such a well-written farce that presents characters that we like — a slightly nerdy Zumba aerobics instructor and a tweedy college professor chased by the mafia and adult filmmakers through the halls of a Caribbean hotel.”
“Bottoms Up!” is set at a fictional Caribbean island nation somewhere south of Cuba “where the beaches are warm, the drinks cold and the laughs are many,” Henson added.
Two actors are reprising roles.
“Daniel Hall Kuhn once again embodies Raymond Pumphrey, a stuttering, paranoid but good-hearted college professor,” Henson said. “And the always-amazing Pat Hamond (is) a blond bombshell actress. She played that role 10 years ago. I love that our veterans get to revisit characters they knew in the past.”
He said “Bottoms Up!,” at its core, is a “don’t hold back, reach, jump and booty-shake your dreams to make them happen.”
“I think the story — American innocents abroad running into trouble on a tropical island — is a great story,” Henson added.
During the run of “Bottoms Up!” will be special features.
“We are offering a Girl’s Night Out Special for those who want to visit our tropical comedy escape — bring a group of gals (seven or more) and get a $2 discount off ticket price,” Henson explained. “And we will have a pink balloon release on July 19 (which is late artistic director and Henson’s sister Holly’s birthday), sponsored by Heritage Hospice. Twenty-five pink balloons will be released from stage and audience just before curtain. Local cancer support groups are invited to come and get $4 off ticket price. Remember to wear pink!”
IF YOU GO
“Bottoms Up!” July 10-21
Pioneer Playhouse
Showtime: 8:30 p.m.; $16
Dinner and show:
7:30 p.m.; $28
Information:
(859) 236-2747
Website: www.pioneer playhouse.com
