Quote of the Day: Black Comedy is a farce that is played in the dark, as you know, with the lights full on. It’s the Chinese convention of reversing light and dark, and exactly where anybody is at any given moment is the play. Peter Shaffer
Scene from Black Comedy at AAAA theatre in Alexandria, MN
I’d heard about the British farce, Black Comedy, several years ago from a director when I was doing shows at Alexandria Area Arts Association (AAAA) theatre. I thought it sounded fascinating. During the set up of the play, the lights are low. Then, there is a power outage, and the lights are brought up, but the actors play like they’re in complete darkness. If anyone lights a match, a spotlight goes on him. It’s fascinating to watch. Because of the situation, some of the characters want others to be kept in the dark, figuratively and literally. It makes for a very entertaining physical comedy with plenty of one-liners. David Christman who plays Harold Gorringe, the gay guy who lives next door, has the best lines. When he makes his entrance, coming in from the rain, in the total darkness, he says, “I’m damp down to my panties.” That’s where my big laugh came out, and the rest of the show became high hilarity.
Cast of Black Comedy at AAAA Theatre in Alexandria, MN
Ben Klipfel who stars in the play as Brindsley Miller, desperate artist who makes ridiculous choices, also works for AAAA Theatre. He invited me to attend a preview night with other press and supporters of the community theatre. He was fantastic. In fact, the entire show is so well cast. Everyone played their part to the “T”- whatever that means. “T” means Tops, Terrific, Totally Titillating, and Take your honey to the Theatre!
Black Comedy is a long one act, one hour and 20 minutes, with no intermission. It’s like you’re watching it in real time. The pacing clips along and the changes of light keep you focused on where all these unique characters are both literally and figuratively. If you’re in the Alexandria, MN area, go to the show, April 25-May 4, tickets and showtimes at AAAA Theatre. If you live elsewhere, I hope this show is performed in your community! AAAA is a great model for community theatre. They offer acting classes and experiences for adults and children with a children’s program this June. They’re doing Beauty and the Beast, Jr.
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: Have you ever tried to keep someone in the dark?
The Blogging from A to Z Challenge is nearing the end, and I’ve been having a deliciously good time writing posts with The Biker Chef on Dine off the Page! Thanks for reading the daily posts, and more!
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