Mary Baldwin University Theatre presents an evening of laughter with The Lone Star Love Potion, An American Farce, by Michael Parker, 7:30 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, March 25 through 28, and 2 p.m., Sunday, March 29, in the Fletcher Collins Theatre, Deming Hall.
When wealthy rancher Mr. Stancliff dies, his family, servants and friends gather for the reading of his will. As expected his niece Patrice inherits the ranch, and she and her lecherous husband, Michael, also receive 25% each of Stancliff’s American Elixir Company. Jarvis, the long faithful butler gets the remaining half. The company’s assets are a sample and a formula for a love potion which Stancliff claimed was too dangerous to release. Is this a joke, or perhaps can it really work? Before long everyone is testing it with hilarious results, while millions — and the ranch itself — may be at stake.
Jarvis, played by local favorite Brian Holsopple, has his hands full, as first Tammy Jo from the neighboring ranch (freshman Emily Hurst), then Melody, the clumsy maid (freshman Layla Teears) and Mary Lou, the shy ornithologist (senior Bridget Burner) all make a pass at him. This is enough to encourage Patrice’s husband, Michael, played by another local favorite Michael Lafferty, to try the potion in order to attract Melody, continuing the disastrous results. Even Patrice (junior Elizabeth VanDoren) and the lawyer (MLitt student Curtis Maxey, Jr) get into the act.
According to director Terry Southerington, “It’s classic farce, complete with the requisite eight doors and windows, and it’s just a lot of fun. Michael Parker, the playwright of There’s A Burglar In My Bed from a few season ago, has captured the British farce in an American setting.”
Tickets are $7 for students and senior citizens and $12 for others and may be reserved by calling the box office Monday through Friday, 10 am to 5pm at 540-887-7189. Tickets are also available online at go.marybaldwin.edu/theatre.