The show must go on, even if it’s not the show originally planned. Great Bend Community Theatre will bring the comedy “The Complete History of America (abridged)” to the band shell in Jack Kilby Square Friday and Saturday evenings, with a matinee the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 27.
Showtime is at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sept. 27, said Bonnie LeRoy, the play’s director. The three-man cast features Lyle Jones, Matt Mazouch and Marcus Mull, raucously running through more than 200 years of history. LeRoy says the history lesson “might not be quite historically accurate - but is sure to keep you laughing.”
The show is described as “a roller coaster ride through the glorious quagmire that is American history, reminding us that it’s not the length of your history that matters - it’s what you’ve done with it!”
A season on hold
This wasn’t the play GBCT originally planned.
Six months ago, the troupe was holding auditions for “Making God Laugh,” scheduled for April. However, community events would soon be shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic. GBCT members rescheduled the play for September but by July they realized that wouldn’t work, either.
“We looked for a show that could work where the audience could do some social distancing,” LeRoy said.
Others working on this production include Luke Abbott, running lights and sound, and Terra DeCarolis and Jessie DeCarolis, who assisted with prop construction and procurement.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better cast for this show,” said LeRoy. “These guys are all incredibly talented and have great comedic instincts. It’s going to make for a terrific show for all ages.”
Although GBCT has postponed their originally planned season due to concerns about gathering patrons together indoors, they still wanted to pursue ways to bring theatre to the community during this time. Safety for both the cast and patrons was a priority, so they chose a show with a small cast, kept production staff to a minimum and found a venue for the show where the audience can spread out.
“This will be a great opportunity for people to come enjoy some entertainment in an environment that allows for social distancing”, said LeRoy. “We’re encouraging people to bring their own chairs, spread out in the Courthouse Square and enjoy a really funny show.”
Use of face masks is encouraged.
There will be no cost for admission but donations will be gratefully accepted to help keep the theatre operating until GBCT can resume a normal show schedule. Donations may be given at the performance or in advance via Paypal at paypal.me/gbctcrest.
The show has been produced with the assistance of underwriters Brad and Sarah Shirer.
For questions regarding the show, contact Great Bend Community Theatre at 620-792-4228 or gbct.crest@gmail.com.
