County Connections: Lancaster Playhouse latest production to premiere this weekend

“Laughter is the closest distance between two people.” - Victor Borge

Founded in 2015, The Lancaster Playhouse offers an immersive theater experience, hallmarked by a passion for connection both on and off the stage.

From period pieces to contemporary comedy, the Playhouse has offered sixteen successful productions in just 13 years, continually stretching into new artistic territory. And with every step, the nonprofit’s team seeks news ways to invite our community on the journey.

Drawing on the bridge-building power of the arts, Playhouse members are widely known as local volunteers, many of whom offer inspiration to youth through The Mentor Academy at Connexion West.

“Mentoring is one of the best things we do,” explains Jane O'Brien, Board President for The Lancaster Playhouse.

This love of giving back is also evidenced in their productions, which engage volunteers in all aspects of the creative process, including in their newest production, Alan Ayckbourn’s Bedroom Farce.

Building off their sold-out spring production of Ken Ludwig’s The Three Musketeers, The Lancaster Playhouse sets a different tone with this piece, humorously pulling back the curtain on our private lives.

Set in the 1970s, the plot of Bedroom Farce follows the marital discord of characters Trevor and Susannah, and the ripple effect of their rocky relationship on the unions of those around them.

“I love this play and I love this script. It’s hilarious. It has these eight flawed and lovable human beings,” shared Director, Darnell Lautt. The characters are so interesting. I can see a bit of myself in each of them at different points in my life,” he continued.

The play derives its name from the theatrical genre of Bedroom Farce, a form of comedy focused on romantic couples amid absurd circumstances. However, for those worried that the title suggests risqué content, O'Brien and Lautt offer assurance that there is nothing to fear.

“Everything happens in the bedroom but what you expect,” laughed Lautt.

Five performances of the show will be held on stage at Maria's Mexican Restaurant, located at 129 E. Main St. in Lancaster, with opening weekend shows taking place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22. There will also be shows at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27 and Saturday, Oct. 28, along with a 2 p.m. showing on Sunday, Oct. 29.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students, and can be purchased online by visiting www.thelancasterplayhouse.org, or by calling the box office at 740-407-2784.

O'Brien is quick to credit community support for making this production possible, citing numerous partners on which The Lancaster Playhouse depends.

“It takes a community to support a community theatre. The Lancaster Playhouse flourishes because of the support of local businesses and individuals who donate annually or buy ad space in our playbills,“ she shared. “First Presbyterian Church opens its doors and provides space for our rehearsals, meetings and monthly workshops. North End Press and Cam Logistics provide clean, climate-controlled year-round storage and Maria's Mexican Restaurant welcomes us into their lovely event space. In addition, we recently received a generous gift from the Wendel Family Fund of the Fairfield County Foundation which we have used to upgrade our sound system. Their trust and support is appreciated.”

Yet while these diverse supporters play a vital role in the success of Playhouse, there is still work to be done. From backstage to the box office, volunteers are a continual need, as well as advocates willing to spread word of the Playhouse mission through social media and word of mouth.

For those interested in engaging more closely with this artistic movement, O’Brien suggests subscribing to the newsletter of The Lancaster Playhouse, which is available at the nonprofit’s website. They may also follow The Lancaster Playhouse on Facebook and Instagram for updates on auditions, upcoming performances, and other ways to lend their creativity to the Playhouse’s local legacy.

“We are focused on community engagement and there is something for everyone,” concluded O’Brien.

Through Oct. 31, 14 of Fairfield County’s communities, including Lithopolis, Lancaster, Millersport, Pleasantville, and Pickerington, will display hundreds of creative and whimsical scarecrows to celebrate the fall season. Visit https://visitfairfieldcounty.org for more information, to access the online map, and to download the free app for iOS and Android.

Every Friday in October visit Geneva Hills, located at 1380 Blue Valley Road SE in Lancaster, to experience Firelight Fridays. This event features fun activities including laser tag, hayrides, face painting, food, and more! All attendees receive 10 free activity tickets, 1 mini pumpkin, and a s’mores pack. Admission cost is a suggested donation of $5 per person. For more information visit https://www.genevahills.com/ or call 740-746-8439.

Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., join AHA! A Hands-On Adventure Children’s Museum for the third annual Halloween Bash. Children’s activities include a wand art project, story time with a princess, a Rise Up Arts Alliance performance, and more. Frios Gourmet Popsicles will be there with sweet treats from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and children wearing costume will be entered into a raffle with a drawing at 3:30 p.m. Tickets for the Halloween Bash cost are $8 per person. For more information, visit https://www.aha4kids.org/.

Thank you for your ideas and feedback! Please contact me about local events at tkellyfairfieldcounty@gmail.com and follow me on Instagram @tracy.mischelle.kelly.

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: County Connections: Lancaster Playhouse to present 'Bedroom Farce'