Redmond High School (RHS) is serving up slapstick comedy in its upcoming theater production.
RHS will be presenting “The Servant of Two Masters.” from March 3-12 at the RHS Performing Arts Center at 17272 NE 104th St.
The play was created in the theater form known as commedia dell’arte, or “comedy of skills,” an improvisational style of performance that dates back to the mid-1500s in Italy. Written by Carlo Goldoni in 1753, “Servant” is essentially a more scripted version of true commedia, which allows more room for the actors to improvise around a selected plot line.
“This show is totally different from anything else we have done at RHS since I’ve been here,” said director Misty Doty, now in her fifth year at the high school. “I chose it because I liked the idea of being able to teach my students some theater history as well as a new theater style. What I find fascinating about commedia is that it is the root of much of the comedy we have today. The techniques and stock characters developed in commedia are still used in today’s sitcoms and films.”
The story of the play revolves around Truffaldino, the servant of Beatrice, a woman who has come to Venice disguised as her dead brother. Truffaldino is always looking for another meal, so he secretly indentures himself to a second master, Florindo, who is Beatrice’s lover and the one who killed her brother. With some mistaken identity, love triangles, and physical antics thrown into the mix, the players are serving up a recipe for certain gut-busting laughter.
“My favorite part is when Truffaldino makes up stories for how the contents of his masters’ trunks got mixed up,” said junior Miles Irwin, who stars as Truffaldino. “I think the audience will enjoy the zaniness and the pace of the show.”
Senior Leila Elkhafaifi, who plays the feisty bar wench Brighella, said, “People will love the energy of this different style of production — it’s incredibly engaging.”
Because the show requires a great deal of physical endurance from the actors, Doty says the cast has been working out every day to get in shape for the performances.
“The extreme body movements are guaranteed to make you laugh,” added senior Savannah Ledgerwood, who portrays Beatrice. “I’ve never been more excited for a Redmond High theater production in the three years I have participated. This show is truly unique!”
“The Servant of Two Masters” will be playing March 3 and 4 at 7 p.m., March 5 at 1 p.m., and March 10-12 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $8, or for half price on Thursdays. For more information, visit www.RedmondDrama.org.
