Belfast Maskers ends 2024 season with comedic romp Scapino! (A Long Way Off from Molière)
BELFAST — The final show of Belfast Maskers' 2024 season is the comedic romp "Scapino! (A Long Way Off from Molière)."
Described as "a family comedy... like an Italian circus with plot and music," according to Belfast Maskers, in a news release, the play was adapted by Franklin Dunlop and Jim Dale from Moliere's "Les Fourberies de Scapin" (1671), the Commedia dell'Arte classic. It is presented in the British pantomime tradition of holiday entertainment.
The show will run from December 6-15, at the Basil Burwell Community Theater, 17 Court Street, in Belfast.
Director Wendy Wincote Schweikert oversaw auditions and cast the following actors in the roles: Stephanie Natale Frus as Scapino, Scott Smith as Ottavio, Gwyneth Sauvage as Sylvestro, Cassidy Small as Giacinta, James Reitz as Argante, Brandon Muggy as Geronte, Jordan Smith as Leandro, Ivy Lobato as Carlo, Audra Martin as Zerbinetta, Kelly Schroeder Gubbels as the Waitress, Stefan Durham as the Headwaiter, Doug Goodman as the Waiter, and Alison Trejo as the Singing Waiter and the Nurse.
Joining Schweikert on her creative team is Ruth M. Gelsinger providing music direction. The set is being designed by Peter Conant and constructed by him, Greg Marsanskis, and other volunteers. Patricia Saucier is Stage Manager and Latricia Saucier is Assistant Stage Manager. Jay Rosenberg is designing sound, Zafra Whitcomb is designing lights, and Sandy Hall is designing costumes. The producer of "Scapino!" is new Belfast Maskers Artistic Director Tucker Atwood.
There will be an Opening Night Gala with wine, cheese, and other light refreshments following the Friday, December 6 performance.
The show will be presented Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday both weekends.
A Talk Back session follows the Sunday, December 8 matinee performance.
A special $10 Preview Night performance is open to the public on Thursday, December 5, at 7 p.m.
General admission tickets are $18, with a $3 discount for students and seniors, and are available now at http://www.belfastmaskers.com.