Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Or so goes the old proverb, which takes on entirely new meaning in the hilarious musical farce Lucky Stiff, on stage Aug. 9 to 27 at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse.
In this particular case, the ‘will’ in question is the genuine last wishes of the deceased American Tony Hendon, who bequeaths a $6 million inheritance to the nephew he never knew, Harry Witherspoon, a shy English shoe salesman.
Bored with the monotony of his daily life, Harry dreams that one day something more exciting will come his way. He gets more than he bargains for once he learns of the unusual caveat to receive the riches: he must take his murdered uncle on vacation to exotic Monte Carlo … and pass him off as alive! If he fails, the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn hits the jackpot, leaving Harry with nothing.
Meanwhile, across the pond in Atlantic City, Uncle Tony’s mistress Rita La Porta has just confessed to her optometrist brother, Vincent Diruzzio, that she in fact killed Tony because she believed he was having an affair. They had stolen diamonds from Rita’s casino owning husband, with the intent of jet setting to Europe for a new life together.
Aware of Uncle Tony’s will, Rita and Vincent are determined to retrieve what’s rightfully theirs. But so is Annabel Glick, a straight-laced representative of the dog charity, observing patiently for any sign of Harry’s default on the unusual terms of the will.
Throw in a flamboyant cabaret singer named Dominique, and a boisterous Italian named Luigi, both with dollar signs in their eyes, and the seemingly seaside paradise of Monte Carlo quickly becomes deadly!
In fact, the only person who appears to be safe from danger is the corpse of Uncle Tony! In the same vein as the beloved 1989 film, Weekend at Bernie’s, Lucky Stiff is ultimately about a dead guy who’s having the time of his life.
Director and choreographer David Connolly knows how to deftly combine humour with heart. His extensive list of Drayton Entertainment credits include the hit productions of Singin’ in the Rain and Mamma Mia!.
He is joined by music director Joseph Tritt, set designer David Boechler, and costume designer Kimberley Catton and lighting designer Jason Hand.
The 10-member cast includes Billy Lake in his Drayton Entertainment debut as Harry Witherspoon.
Julia McLellan makes a worthy adversary as the bookish, no-nonsense Annabel Glick.
Ayrin Mackie gives a brash performance as Rita La Porta, the high-strung, half-blind lover to a casino manager. Aiden deSalaiz plays Rita’s brother, Vinnie Diruzzio, and counterbalances brazenness with meekness, to great effect.
Daniel Abrahamson tackles Luigi Guadi, the Italian playboy with an air of mystery, and Kayla James is the sultry singer and dancer, Dominique du Monaco.
Tickets are $46 for adults and $27 for youth under 20 years of age. HST is applicable to all ticket prices. Tickets can be purchased online at www.draytonentertainment.com, in person at the box office, or by calling 519-747-7788 or toll free at 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).
