| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cash on Delivery
Uproarious British Farce Launches 2007 Season at King’s Wharf Theatre
Wednesday, June 6th, 2007
 PENETANGUISHENE
– The King’s Wharf Theatre has launched its
highly anticipated 9th Season with Cash on Delivery,
a rich British farce sure to have audiences laughing hysterically from
start to finish.
“This is an extremely funny farce full of witty one-liners and
over-the-top physical comedy,” says Alex Mustakas,
Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “Cash on Delivery
is guaranteed to keep you in stitches!”
Written by Michael Cooney, the son of master British playwright Ray Cooney,
Cash on Delivery follows the ridiculous misfortunes of
remorseful con artist Eric Swan, who for years has made his living cheating
the national Welfare Agency by claiming benefits for the imaginary tenants
of his household – all of whom supposedly suffer from various ailments
and disabilities.
However, things are getting a little too risky for Eric. Just as he decides
to remedy the fraud by “killing off” his imaginary tenants,
welfare investigator George Jenkins comes knocking at the door. Mayhem
ensues as real-life tenant Norman Thompson – whose name Eric has
used to forge a multitude of claims (and whom he has just reported as
deceased) – gets sucked into his web of deceit, resulting in a side-splitting
spectacle as the scandalous secrets are unwittingly revealed.
Mustakas deftly handles directing duties for this production and establishes
a quick rhythm and pacing, expertly building the momentum to its hilarious
climax. Mustakas has directed many farces over the years and is well-versed
in the genre. Under his guidance, the talented cast masterfully presents
the entertaining predicament of Eric Swan with impeccable comedic timing.
Perennial audience favourite Bryan Foster once again
delivers the goods with his unflappable portrayal of Eric Swan, the crooked
landlord housing a semblance of a conscience. An incredibly engaging performer,
Foster effortlessly creates uproarious laughter with just a reconciled
look, contorted facial expression, and exaggerated gesture.
He is matched by the droll antics of Paul Brown as the
unsuspecting tenant, Norman McDonald. Brown is no stranger to the Drayton
stage, having directed and starred in such past hits as Tons of Money,
Caught in the Net and No Sex Please…We’re British. As an alleged
unemployed lumberjack by trade, Brown is the perfect partner in crime
for Foster, and together the two men make a dynamic comedy team.
As Mr. Jenkins, Nigel Hamer exudes confidence as an
incredibly thorough welfare investigator determined to sort through a
myriad of confusing and contradictory claims. Karen Sweet
is wonderfully quirky as Sally Chessington, the bereavement counselor
sent to console Norman after the supposed loss of his father. Mary
Long is entertaining in her role as Eric’s utterly distraught
wife Linda, and Kevin Burnett is delightfully amusing
as Doctor Chapman, who must counsel Linda after she discovers her husband’s
eclectic collection of wigs, bras, corsets and stockings.
As the ominous Ms. Cowper, Maria Heidler masterfully
captures her character’s steely exterior and handles her immensely
mirthful scenes with shrewd comedic skill. Similarly, Randolph
J. Johnston makes the most of his role as the undertaker Mr.
Forbright, and Bruce Bricknell provides deadly laughs
by showing his stiff upper lip as the accident prone Uncle George. The
cast is rounded out by Stephanie McNamara’s charming
portrayal of Miss Dixon, Norman’s attractive young fiancée.
Set Designers Craig Guthrie and Richard Lawler
have designed an aesthetically pleasing set complete with five entrances
and exits. Lighting design by Simon Day complements the
light-hearted mood of the production, and Monique Hodder
provides appropriate costumes reflecting the British tradition.
Hilarious, energetic, and completely over-the-top, Cash on Delivery
promises to be one of the funniest hits of the season.
“We are delighted by the response for Cash on Delivery,”
says Mustakas. “This production is selling very quickly –
my advice to theatregoers is to get tickets as soon as possible before
they’re all gone!”
Cash on Delivery is proudly sponsored by The Co-operators
and the Comfort Inn. Media Sponsors are The New CHAY 93.1 FM and The Free
Press. Design Sponsors are Midland Tours Inc. and Johnstones Music Land.
The 2007 Season is sponsored by A-Channel.
Cash on Delivery plays eight shows a week through June 23rd.
Tickets can be ordered by calling the King’s Wharf Theatre Box Office
at (705) 549-5555 or toll free at 1-888-449-4463.
For more on the 2007 Season, please visit www.kingswharftheatre.com.
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Editors Note: For more information on area
accommodation and attractions see Midland
Information
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