Those who attend performances of the play “Scapino!” Thursday through Saturday at Festus High School should expect to laugh, said director William Borgmeyer and members of the cast.
Shows start at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Festus R-6 Performing Arts Center, 501 Westwind Drive. Tickets cost $5 and must be purchased at the door.
“It’s was a play by Moliere, the French playwright, updated in the 1970s to the modern period,” said Borgmeyer, a Festus High School English language arts teacher. “It’s a slapstick comedy. It’s got a little music in it. It’s pretty much straight-up funny.”
Moliere, a playwright whose real name was Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, lived 1622-1673. He took the stage name Moliere.
Borgmeyer said he has previously directed Festus High students in “Scapino!” performances.
“We did it exactly 10 years ago,” he said.
The featured cast includes: seniors Bella Micco, Alex Perry, Angela Moore, Kane Seitz, Alex Kester, Anna Berezowski, Mycel Hochlander and Darreon Box; juniors Zach Caudill, Ellie Bond and Katt Carr; and sophomore Braydon Siefert.
Other cast members are: seniors Gabrielle White, Ashton Brucato and Will Swafford; juniors Leon Roberts and Ellieaunna Thompson; and sophomores Ashton Hall, Eva Campbell and Judi Dean.
Erin Pruneau, a Festus High English language arts teacher, is assistant director. The stage manager is senior Jada Coffee.
Borgmeyer said the play should appeal to a wide range of ages.
“There is no content issue,” he said. “I would say it’s for 10 and up to understand all that’s going on.”
Actors said they believe attendees will enjoy the performances.
“Just, the physical comedy is so over the top and hilarious,” Kester said. “Even if you don’t get the (verbal) humor, you’ll still appreciate the slapstick.”
Berezowski added, “I really enjoy the musical element. It’s upbeat and really funny.”