Gaslight Theater’s 2023 Season of Laughter continues with ‘Black Comedy’

The cast of Gaslight Theater’s “Black Comedy” gathered at Hallowell City Hall Auditorium for a table read of the script on March 27. From left are Richard Bostwick, Jeff Cabral, Robyn DesLauriers, Mike Stiles, Kathleen Leopold, Lucy Rioux, Matthew Ferrin and Joe Blackwell, Missing is cast member Kathryn Ross. Submitted photo

Gaslight Theater’s “2023 Season of Laughter” continues in April and May with Peter Shaffer’s “Black Comedy,” directed by Lucille Rioux. The show will be produced at Hallowell City Hall Auditorium at 1 Winthrop St. in Hallowell over two weekends, including Sunday matinees, April 28, 29 and 30 and May 5, 6 and 7. Friday and Saturday shows start at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m.

“Black Comedy” is a one-act farce by Peter Shaffer first performed in 1965. The premise of the piece is that light and dark are transposed, so that when the stage is lit the cast are supposed to be in darkness and only when the stage is dark are they supposed to be able to see each other and their surroundings.

A young sculptor and his fiancée have borrowed some expensive antique furniture from a neighbor’s flat without his permission to impress an elderly millionaire art collector. When the power fails, the neighbor returns early, other people also arrive.
Matthew Ferrin of Augusta will perform as Brindsley Miller, a young sculptor. His fiancee Carol Melkett will be played by Kathryn Ross of Gardiner. Michael Stiles of Kents Hill will play Carol’s father, Colonel Melkett. The part of Clea, Brindsley’s ex, will be performed by Robyn DesLauriers of South Gardiner. Kathleen Leopold of Richmond will play Miss Furnival. Jeff Cabral of Biddeford will play antique shop owner Harold Gorringe. Joe Blackwell of Waterville will play Schuppanzigh, a German refugee, and Gaslight Theater’s own Richard Bostwick of Hallowell will play millionaire art collector Georg Samberger.
Gaslight Theater’s production of “Black Comedy” is sponsored by Free ME from Lung Cancer. Gaslight Theater’s 2023 “Season of Laughter” has been made possible by Season Sponsor E.J. Perry Construction Company and by Turner Publishing, Media Sponsor.

Other upcoming productions in Gaslight’s 2023 “Season of Laughter” include The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon in July, Charley’s Aunt in November and Jellofish, dates to be announced.

Tickets cost $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit gaslighttheater.org.