TAPROOT THEATRE CONTINUES 2010 SEASON WITH VICTORIAN FARCE CHARLEY’S AUNT

Hilarious classic full of mischief, high jinks and shenanigans opens on May 14

SEATTLE – April 7, 2010 – Young love, enduring love, reunited love, unrequited love, puppy love—it’s all here as Taproot Theatre continues its 34^th season withCharley’s Aunt. In this Victorian-era farce by Brandon Thomas, a quiet afternoon luncheon turns into a hilarious masquerade when college chums attempt to woo a pair of charming young ladies. After persuading a classmate to impersonate their missing aunt (and chaperone), mischief, high jinks and shenanigans ensue. Directed by associate artistic director Karen Lund, Charley’s Aunt opens on May 14 and runs through June 12, with low-price previews on May 12 and 13, plus a pay-what-you-can performanceon May 19.

Debuting in London in 1892, Thomas’ play was a huge hit. Originally running for 1,466 performances, the play has seen countless revivals and film adaptations throughout the decades. There's something about this story of comedic romance that still delights and charms audiences today, over a century later. Thomas' characters are comical, hopelessly devoted, scheming, stubborn, money-hungry and spoiled. They just want to have fun. They're simply in love, and will just die if anything gets in their way.

“We wanted to bring something funny and romantic, bright, frothy and fun to the stage,” said Lund. “It’s pure frolic. It’s Hilarity with a capital H!”

Charley’s Aunt features Don Brady, Llysa Holland, Anne Kennedy, Andrew Litzky, Nolan Palmer, Eric Riedmann, Josh Smyth, Steve West and Samie Detzer. The production team includes scenic and sound designer Mark Lund, costume designer Sarah Burch Gordon and lighting designer Jody Briggs. Anne Hitt serves as stage manager, Gin Hammond as dialect coach and L. Nicol Cabe as dramaturg.

After Charley’s Aunt, Taproot Theatre’s 2010 Season continues with Man of La Mancha (a musical play by Dale Wasserman with music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion; original production staged by Albert Marre; originally produced by Albert W. Selden and Hal James; July 7-August 7) and the regional premiere ofWedding Belles by Alan Bailey and Ronnie Claire Edwards (September 22-October 23).