DUBOIS – Brit-Com Fans, rejoice! The Reitz Theater in DuBois will present its production of David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd’s British Television classic ‘Allo, ‘Allo!, Aug. 14-15 and Aug. 20-22 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 16 at 2 p.m.
The Reitz Theater is one of a handful of theaters to present this stage production in the United States. Director Drew Gordon says he first thought of doing the play after watching the series on public television several years ago.
“Some of my friends and I first experienced British humor by watching Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” Gordon said, “and then we got into Are You Being Served, Keeping Up Appearances and others. Some of us thought of doing the show five years ago, and the buzz among the players, and even theater patrons was incredible.”
This stage version, as the television show, is set in France during World War II, and follows the adventures of cafe owner Rene (Brian Hand), as he balances serving German soldiers while assisting the French Resistance repatriate two British Airmen hidden in his cellar.
All this is while maintaining affairs with his serving girls, Yvette and Mimi (Krista Carr and Cody Buck) under the eye of his tone-deaf singing wife, Edith (Nicki Gutowski). Rene must summon all the wit he can muster to save his cafe and his life.
Included in the cast are Jessalyn Penvose, Joe Lehr, Beecher Klingensmith, Dave Clark, Alex Haines, Dave Laubacker, Jennifer Gonsalves, Ryan Haggerty, Josh Alderton, Curt London and Brandon Raybuck.
Gordon adds that the show is a silly mix written in true British style that is sexy, saucy and loaded with double-entendres. “The best way I can explain the production to American audiences,” he says, “would be if you mixed Monty Python with a little Mel Brooks, and Hogan’s Heroes. The cast is an incredible mix of talented actors ready to bring laughs to the stage.”
Sponsored by Jim Stallabuto’s Everything Under Foot, and Swift Kennedy and Company, tickets are $10 for adults, and $8 for students and seniors. This play contains mature content, and children’s tickets will not be sold.
There will also be a new way to purchase tickets online by going to www.reitztheater.com, and tickets can be reserved for season ticket holders only by calling 814-375-4274. Tickets will also be sold at the door on the nights of the show.
A special opening night wine tasting will be held one hour before the show on Aug. 14 by Bee Kind Winery of Clearfield.
