'The Sandlot' Live Read Delivers Pure Comedy Magic

“Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.” – Babe Ruth in “The Sandlot”

The same could be said for “The Sandlot” film since it still inspires generation after generation – and even inspired a live read performance at Arcade Comedy Theater over the weekend filled with our own Pittsburgh local legends and heroes – including Chris Preksta (“Pittsburgh Dad,” “Mercury Men”), Curt Wootton (Pittsburgh Dad),  Aaron Kleiber and many more.

For those unfamiliar with a live read, it is exactly as it sound. Cast members stand on stage armed with the entire script and reading line for line – including stage directions. It’s must like the early stages of any film show, but with the added comedy twist.

For this live read, the show featured eight grown men starring as the boys of “The Sandlot” most who were likely living out childhood fantasies of their role models.

Starring as the legendary Benny “The Jet” was none other than our own Pittsburgh Dad Curt Wootten. I really couldn’t think of anyone better. Wootten was a knack for this role and truly brought life to the stage, and his exercise routine, as he played out the scene being chased by Hercules the dog in the very small theater. 

Of course, Wootten wasn’t alone in perfect roles because whoever invited Pittsburgh Magazine’s “Best Local Comic” Aaron Kleiber to the party was certainly a great decision. Kleiber was truly a natural choice for the “Great Hambino” role because he not only looks like a grown up Ham … but he certainly had the perfect attitude throwing in a few jabs off-script.

Dave Fedor as Squints looked like he grew up right before our eyes with dark hair and glasses. He made the perfect icon to kiss the beautiful Wendy later in the show. Mike Rubino as Yeah Yeah was as caffeinated as could be to pull off the role and the rest of the guys (and ladies) were a hit.

While there aren’t many female parts in this live read, Abby Fudor and Missy Moreno took on the roles of Timmy and Repeat which provided some very “interesting” gender-confusing dialogue throughout the show. And appropriately cast as the bombshell female figure of the film, Wendy, was none other than Amy Staggs who had all the grown men drooling as she sashayed across the stage in a beautiful polka dot dress. Fun fact, Staggs worked as stunt double for Anne Hathaway as Catwoman while they filmed in Pittsburgh.

Of course, we can’t forget some of the lesser known, but not forgotten roles in the show – like Scotty’s dad who was played by Nick Staso, causing a bit of comedic role reversal since he’s still a child. He also played the smart mouthed little leaguer in the show who challenged the boys to a game, that was likely more age appropriate.

And then there’s the leading boy, er well man, Jeff Brancolini as Scott Smalls who truly had the role down for the shy, timid boy who just kept screwing up. While he had many great zingers throughout the evening, my personal favorite scenes were opposite Staso, especially when he dropped to his knees for Staso to “look down at his son.”

The show also featured John Feightner as Bertram, Larry Phillis as Denunez and Mark Tiemo as Babe Ruth / Mr. Mertle. Together, the entire cast created comedy magic for two shows Friday night.

If you missed your chance to see this one-night only performance, fear not – there are more live reads in the works featuring some pretty iconic films. If this first was any indication, the rest will be just as successful!

The Arcade Theater is the newest addition to the ever-growing cultural district. Opening in February, the 75 seat space hosts stand-up comedians, improvisational artists, sketch shows, vaudevillian variety acts, comedic videos, live play readings and performers of all types. Tickets are affordably priced as $20 or less with many shows offering $10 tickets. In addition, the Arcade Theater is a perfect inexpensive date night with a BYOB facility (subject to a $2 per person cup charge) and reasonably priced concessions. 

For more information about upcoming shows, visit http://arcadecomedytheater.com/.