By Lyndsay Shumway
THATCHER — A bit of merry olde England comes to Thatcher in an upcoming production by Eastern Arizona College’s Department of Theatre Arts. One Man, Two Guvnors is a contemporary British farce by Richard Bean, based on the classic Commedia dell’Arte farce, The Servant of Two Masters, by Carlo Goldoni.
“This hilarious play is sure to delight local audiences with its physical humor, witty language, charming characters, and unbelievable storyline,” said director Steven Higginbotham.
Francis Henshall is out of a job and looking for a way to earn some income and something to eat. He is hired by Roscoe Crabbe to serve as his assistant and, unexpectedly and simultaneously, is hired as an assistant to Stanley Stubbers. Henshall concocts what he thinks is a brilliant plan: if he can serve both of these masters at once without their discovery, he will be able to earn double the money and double the food. Can he pull off this crazy scheme or will he get caught? What secrets are Stanley and Roscoe hiding? Will everything turn out successfully or will it end in hilarious chaos? Come to the show to find out.
This production features set designs by William H. Nidiffer, associate professor of theatre design and production; stage direction by Steven Higginbotham, Fine Arts Division Chair; musical direction by Chase Moore, director of musical theatre; costume designs by Timilee McNair, fine arts costumer; lighting and sound designs by Don Eller, fine arts technician and stage management by Lyndsay Shumway and Alyssa Ruiz. The talented cast includes Cecilia Abarca, Gavin Bell, Ben Blewusi, Heidi Bolen, Ali Castro, Brad Crum, Trevor Efros, Cody Foreé, Daken Hawkins, Tyson Lund, Brian Moore, Ian Mortensen, Joseph Speers and Amanda Striffolino.
William “Bill” Nidiffer, EAC’s associate professor of theatre design and production, will be retiring at the end of this semester, and One Man, Two Guvnors will mark the end of an era. When asked about his upcoming retirement, Nidiffer said, “I’ve been involved in theatre for over 30 years. Before that, I spent 15 years as a musician and sound and lighting technician for a band. After 45 years of ‘show business,’ I’m ready to retire and slow down, take it easy and explore new interests. And it’s such a fun show to end on.”
One Man, Two Guvnors will take the stage at Eastern Arizona College’s Fine Arts Auditorium from April 5 – 8 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee show April 8 at 2 p.m. General admission is $5 per person, and full-time EAC students will be admitted free with a valid student ID. Tickets can be purchased at the door before each performance or by calling Eastern Arizona College’s Ticket Office at (928) 428-8228. Advanced reservations are recommended as seating for this production is limited. Come support the performing arts in your community, and laugh along with Eastern Arizona College’s entertaining production of One Man, Two Guvnors.