Ken Ludwig's
a hilarious insight into love, back stage humor and desperation
“Leading Ladies” centers around two English Shakespearean actors, who can’t seem to catch a break and are performing “Scenes from Shakespeare” on the Moose Lodge circuit in the Amish country. A chance meeting perpetuates the humor as these resourceful actors learn that an old lady in York, PA is about to die and leave her fortune to her two English nephews. Deciding to pass themselves off as the beloved long lost relatives for cash creates all new challenges and dilemmas for these two would-be heroes. This rollicking backstage farce gets even more intensely funny as misidentification takes on an entirely different twist. Romantic entanglements have never been so comical.
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Bruce Grove, Holly Baldwin, Richard Dorbin, Zack Schlag
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Directed by Pat Murphy Sheehy, an experienced Washington DC theater professional and a lifelong actress, director, and producer. Sheehy has pulled together an amazing cast to ensure the comedic and heartwarming story is filled with laughter and talent. Bruce Grove will be portraying the dashing Leo and his alter ego, Maxine. Zack Schlag will play the parts of Jack and Stephanie. Jessica Newell returns to the stage in the role of sweet and good-natured Audrey. Holly Baldwin takes on the role of vivacious Meg and Bob Dietz is the likable curmudgeon, Doc. Richard Dorbin will portray Duncan, the fussy, local minister. Familiar faces from this TAP season, John Whitesell will play the earnest and sincere Butch, and Maggie Garey is Florence the rich, wily, old ailing aunt.
“Leading Ladies” is set in Ludwig’s hometown of York, Pennsylvania, part of the Amish country with its’ picturesque hills and farms. Ludwig has mentioned in interviews that he loved growing up in York, as “it’s typically middle-American, with good values and great people; a deep and richly traditional place. I loved the idea of the play being a part of all that.”
“Leading Ladies” is an amusing tale of romantic nonsense and multiple portrayals of the two lead characters, which promises to have you in stitches. The merriment begins August 13 at 8 pm, with TAP’s customary complimentary opening-night champagne reception. Other performances are Friday and Saturday evenings, August 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 at 8 pm, and Sunday matinees on August 15, 22, & 29 at 2pm. Thrifty Thursday returns on August 26 at 7pm. All performances are at the Oxford Community Center.
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"Leading Ladies" cast members: Richard Dorbin, Holly Baldwin, Bruce Grove, Jessica Newell, Bob Dietz, John Whitesell, Maggie Garey, and Zack Schlag.
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"Isn't Audrey (played by Jessica Newell) amazing on skates?"
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Richard Dorbin(Duncan), Holly Baldwin(Meg), Bruce Grove(Maxine), & Zack Schlag(Stephanie)
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