Leading Ladies Hits the SHS Stage on Nov. 11 and 12

It’s a case of mistaken identity for two actors that leads to hilarious consequences in Leading Ladies, the fall production for the Stratford High School Drama Society. The comedy runs Nov. 11 and Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Stratford High School John F. Kennedy Memorial Auditorium. All seats are $10, and can be reserved in advance or purchased at the door. More info at 203-380-6777 x1234.

The show, set in York, Pennsylvania in 1958, is a farce that centers on two down-on-their-luck British Shakespearean actors, Leo Clark and Jack Gable. The pair discover through a newspaper, that Florence, an older ailing woman, has been unable to find Max and Steve, her sister's children who moved away to England as children so she may include them in her multi-million dollar inheritance. They decide to pose as Max and Steve to claim portions of it. When they discover that "Max" and "Steve" are actually "Maxine" and "Stephanie," they continue on, undaunted, in drag.

“Leading Ladies is really funny, but it’s also cleverly written,” said senior Maggie Walsh, who plays the role of Audrey. “The jokes are smart, well-timed, and have a good mixture of silly gags and intelligent digs that may take you a minute to get. It has something for every sense of humor. Some of the subject matter is a bit risqué, but it’s done tastefully. I love this show because of its unique style of humor and ingenious writing.”

Cast includes: Justin Gendron (Leo/Maxine); Dan Vilarinho (Jack/Stephanie); Tiffany Owen (Meg);

Maggie Walsh and Abbie Joy (sharing the role of Audrey); Evan Fernandes (Frank); Barry Libowitz (Duncan); Zachary Kenney (Doc); Phoebe Lindsey (Florence); Sam Noccioli (Butch); Matt Pond (Conductor); with understudies Rebekah Wargo and Caeley Ott.

“The comedy in this show is fantastic,” Sam Noccioli, a senior who has been involved in the drama society since his freshman year and has participated in every show since then. He plays the part of Butch. “It's hilarious to watch the two male characters have to act like women, and even funnier when the rest of the characters don't realize it. I'm hoping the audience finds this show as funny as I do, and that they leave the auditorium feeling impressed with our comedic performances.”

Tiffany Owen, who plays Meg, is a newcomer to the Stratford High School stage. “This is actually my first year doing a production with the Drama Society and I've been having so much fun. It's really interesting to work with such a small cast because by the end of it you get to know everybody really well. This is also the first straight play I've done so it's been a learning experience for me to do a show with no music or dancing.”

Tiffany added that “I would just like the audience to leave happier than when they came. If we can let them forget about reality for a while and have a few laughs I think we will have done our jobs. After all, that is what entertainment is for.”

“My experience with the drama society has been the single greatest thing that I have done during my time at Stratford High School,” said senior Justin Gendron. “It has been very interesting. I've worn a dress, I've spoken and sung in Cantonese, I've played Papa Bear and it has all shaped my life. What appeals to me most in this show is the way it was written and the pacing to the jokes makes it the funniest show that I've been in.”

Junior Daniel Vilarinho, has been a part of the drama society since his freshman year and found a lot to enjoy in his role as Jack. “My part in the show is Jack Gable. A British Shakespearean actor who is best friends with Leo Clark. Leo and I use our acting talents to dress up as women and try to steal from old Mrs. Florence by pretending to be her nieces Maxine and Stephanie. The thing I enjoy most about my character is his zaniness. I am constantly angry at Leo for every little thing whether I’m a guy or girl at the moment. Not only does my character have to speak in a British accent, but he also speaks in a girl’s voice half the show. It’s a challenging show which I am sure will pay off.”

Ultimately the cast and backstage crew is looking for the audience to walk away entertained.

As Maggie Walsh said: “A stitch in the side from laughing!’

Directed by Kathleen Murphy, produced by Jeff Leinen, with costumes by Susan Barksdale.

Leading Ladies is on the Stratford High School stage Nov. 11 and 12. Visit http://stratfordhigh.stratfordk12.org/Content/Drama_Society.asp for tickets and more information.