|
 The Theatre Department at Lycoming College presents “The Underpants” by Carl Sternheim and adapted by Steve Martin. Shows will run November 30, December 1, and December 6-8 at 8pm in the Mary L. Welsh Theatre. Jerry D. Allen, associate professor and chair of the Theatre Department, will direct the show.
The play is based on Carl Sternheim’s 1910 version of the comedy. In 2001, Steve Martin reinvigorated the show and turned it into the hilariously entertaining farce. As the play opens, the audience learns that Louise, a modest woman, living a predictable life, has allowed her bloomers to fall down in public, during a royal parade for the King. Her husband, Theo, fears the scandal will cost him his job as a government clerk. Instead, the scandal attracts the attention of two male suitors who vie for the affection of unsuspecting Louise. Her husband rents the spare room to both of the men, unaware of their true intentions. The house gets a bit too crowded as the audience is drawn into the off-the-wall humor and scandal.
Jerry D. Allen, director of the production, has been a professor at Lycoming since 1984 and is currently the chair of the Theatre Department. Allen has been involved in almost every aspect of theatre, but his favorites are stage and costume design. To date, he has created set designs for over 125 different productions and costumes for 225 productions. Professor Allen is also the founder of the Emerald City Players Children’s Theatre Troupe, a group of Lycoming College theatre students who perform children’s theatre in area schools.
The play is suggested for ages 13 and up. Tickets are available through the Box Office in the Mary L. Welch Theatre by calling (570) 321-4048.
|