LANCASTER – The Ohio University Lancaster Theatre will feature two productions this March — “Leading Ladies” and “right before i go.”
“Leading Ladies” by Ken Ludwig will kick off the theater season with performances at 7 p.m. March 4-8 in the Wagner Theatre, located in Brasee Hall at 1570 Granville Pike in Lancaster.
Additional matinee performances will be held at 2 p.m. March 7 and March 8. Tickets are $18 and are available online at ohio.edu/lancaster/theatre.
The play is a comedy, set in the 1950s, that follows two struggling Shakespearean actors, Jack and Leo, who are desperate for work and short on cash. A plan to claim they are the long-lost English nephews of a wealthy, elderly woman to be able to inherit her fortune turns on its head when they learn it’s not nephews but nieces who will inherit. They adapt their plan and their disguises, which results is a fast-moving farce filled with mistaken identities, romantic complications and physical comedy, according to a community announcement.
Director Victor Jones said the production has been a welcome creative outlet for the cast and crew.
“Working on a comedy has been exactly the perfect thing for all of us,” Jones said. “We walk into rehearsal ready to work, and we leave having laughed for two or three hours. That kind of joy carries over into the performance.”Jones added that comedy requires discipline and precision.
“People often think tragedy is the most difficult genre, and it is challenging,” he said. “But comedy demands timing and pacing. This show has become a master class in comedic timing for our students.”
“right before i go,” by Stan Zimmerman, will be performed at 7 p.m. March 23-25 in the Wagner Theatre.
OHIO Lancaster Theatre students recently had the opportunity to meet virtually with Zimmerman, best known for his writing work on “The Golden Girls,” and “Gilmore Girls,” along with many other productions.
“right before i go,” is a powerful staged reading presented by Ohio University Lancaster Theatre in partnership with the Fairfield County ADAMH Board. The production shares the real final words and letters of individuals lost to suicide, including veterans, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals who experienced bullying, those battling depression and public figures. Interwoven with the voices of survivors, the piece offers an honest and compassionate message about understanding, connection and the importance of mental health awareness, according to the community announcement.
“Theatre is not only meant to entertain,” Jones said. “It can also help us face difficult realities with empathy and courage. This production creates space for conversation, reflection, and support within our community.”
The running time is approximately 75 minutes. A special talk back discussion will immediately follow each performance. The production contains strong language and adult themes.
Admission is pay what you can, with a suggested donation of $10 cash. All proceeds benefit Fairfield County ADAMH and Ohio University Lancaster Theatre. Team members from Fairfield County ADAMH will be present at each performance to provide information, resources and compassionate support related to the play’s themes.
“right before i go” is presented by arrangement with TRW Plays. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The service is available 24 hours a day, free, and confidential.
Additional details and ticket information can be found at ohio.edu/lancaster/theatre.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: OUL Theatre to present two diverse productions in March
Reporting by Staff Report / Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
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