AUBURN — Director Mitchell Clyde Thomas has announced the cast and crew for Community Little Theatre’s second production of its 76th season, “Shakespeare in Hollywood,” written by Ken Ludwig (“Lend Me A Tenor” and “Moon Over Buffalo”). The production opens on Friday, Feb. 12, and runs through Sunday, Feb. 21.

The play is a full-length comedy farce in two acts. “Shakespeare in Hollywood” won Ludwig the 2004 Helen Hayes Award for Best New Play.

It’s 1934, and Shakespeare’s most famous fairies, Oberon and Puck, have magically materialized on the Warner Bros. Hollywood set of Max Reinhardt’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Instantly smitten by the glitz and glamour of show biz, the two are ushered onto the silver screen to play themselves in the movie. With a little help from a feisty flower, blonde bombshells and movie moguls, they are tossed into loopy love triangles, with raucous results. The mischievous magic of Hollywood sparkles in this hilarious, comic romp. The show is appropriate for all audiences.

“King Oberon” is played by Stephen Brakey of New Gloucester, making his CLT debut. Also appearing in her first show at CLT is Lilly Gardiner of Brunswick, playing the role of “Puck” the mischievous fairy. CLT favorite Roger Philippon is in the role of “Jack Warner” and Chip Morrison, one of the company’s long-standing actors, plays the oldest movie-making Warner Brother, “Harry”. The other two brothers are played by two former Auburn city counselors, Bruce Bickford (“Albert”) and Adam Lee (“Sam”) who doubles in the role of movie star, “Joe E. Brown”.

Melissa Stevens of Lewiston returns to the CLT stage after an 11-year break in the role of “Lydia Lansing.” Also returning are Andrea Quaid of Lewiston as the infamous radio personality, “Louella Parsons”, Paul Menenez of Lewiston as “Daryl,” Warner’s yes-man, David Marshall of Monmouth as director “Max Reinhardt” and Dan Kane of Auburn as “Jimmy Cagney”.

A husband-and-wife pair of newcomers from Windham, Charlie and Rebecca Cole, play Hollywood censor “Will Hays” and the other leading lady role of “Olivia Darnell.” Movie Actor “Dick Powell” is played by Henry Quintal of Augusta, in his first appearance at CLT.

Remaining members of the ensemble are Dwight J. Wilcoxson, Bre Allard, Jane Mitchell, Lynn O’Donnell, Linda Sherwood, Zachary Morin and Yoel Sherwood.

Among other volunteers assisting with the production are stage manager and set designer Britny Anderson, producer Heidi McCurdy, assistant producer Hayden Thomas, assistant director Stefanie Lynn, costume director Nancy Kenneally, technical director Tom Anderson, artistic/vocal coach Patricia Phillips, lighting director Richard Martin, light operator Maureen Brann, and costume team members Katie Luu and Dominique Cyr.

Copy the Story Link