It surely is a testament to playwright Brandon Thomas that his “Charley’s Aunt” is as beloved in 2020 as it was when it first appeared on the London stage in 1892. Considered to be one of the great Edwardian romps of all time, the British farce tells the hilarious tale of assumed identities, including one of the main male characters donning a dress rather than a suit.
That is one of the many reasons that Tred Avon Players is presenting the classic comedy on February 13 through February 23 at the Oxford Community Center. Alison Lynch is the director.
Jack loves Kitty Verdun and Charley loves Miss Amy Spettigue. They invite the ladies to meet Charley’s wealthy aunt from Brazil, “where the nuts come from.” Cancelling her visit at the last minute, the millionaire aunt sends the boys into cataclysmic confusion. What do they do now? The problem is solved by drafting their feckless Oxford undergrad pal into a black satin skirt, bloomers and wig. As “Charley’s Aunt”, this charming frump is introduced to the ladies, to Jack’s father and to Stephen Spettigue, Amy’s guardian. When the real aunt turns up, classic comic confusion ensues!
Nick Voshell plays Jack; Jackie Royer is Kitty; Seth Wagner is Charley; Ashley Chroniger is Amy; Francesca Rendell is Donna Lucia d’Alvadorez; Troy Strootman is Lord Fancourt Babberley; Bob O’Boyle is Colonel Sir Francis Chesney; Craig Brittingham is Stephen Spettigue; Madalyn Hill is Ela Delahay; and Archi Tinelli is Brassett.
Performances dates are Thursday through Saturday on February 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees on February 16 & 23 at 2:00 p.m. For tickets go to TredAvonPlayers.org or call 410-226-0061. The Oxford Community Center is located at 200 Oxford Rd. Oxford, MD 21654.
This video is approximately two minutes in length