Heartland Community Theatre held an audition in August for its fall production, “Noises Off.” According to director Linda Freese, not enough actors showed up to stage the classic play within a play, which has a cast of 16 and a complicated set.
So Linda went back to the drawing board, which in this case, meant her collection of scripts. What she found: a gem of a comic melodrama by Scott Cherney and Edward Thorpe called “La Rue’s Return,” or “How’s A-Bayou?”
The tagline: “Evil always returns, and this time, it has a bad French accent.”
“When I read it, I laughed out loud,” Linda said.
The comic melodrama will be performed at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, and Saturday, Oct 12, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13. That means the cast of eight has had four weeks to learn their lines and pull the show together, Linda said.
Heartland Community Theatre productions are staged by people who enjoy bringing the experience of live theater to the Clinton area. For compensation for their considerable time commitment —three evening rehearsals a week, they receive the applause of appreciative audiences.
The cast of “La Rue’s Return” includes Martin Grisier, who channels Snidely Whiplash as Jacque La Rue, the villain of the piece. Grisier has already put together his outfit, Linda said, and had grown the requisite villain’s mustache.
The plot revolves around La Rue’s attempts to get revenge for being sent to prison by Polly Montclair, owner of “Chez What,” a bistro in New Orlean’s French quarter, and the bartender, Ike, played by Clinton attorney Zac Maggi.
Maggi opens the first act with a rendition of “On the Bayou.”
Polly is played by Amanda Garcia of Green Ridge. Chris Smith has valiantly stepped into the role of “courageous but dim” Cavalry Lt. Alan Wexstad after Joe Trogden had to drop out due to an injury.
Janet Smith, Chris’ spouse, is the Swamp Crone. Garey Flippin plays Laszlo, the resident drunk, and Claire Crittendon is the French maid, Mimi. John Pettersen is handling lights and sound.
“La Rue’s Return” includes a sword fight in a swamp. The play lasts an hour and half plus an intermission, and is suitable for all ages, Linda said.
Tickets to La Rue’s Return are $15 and are available at the door, 108 N. Washington, Clinton MO 64738. They can also be purchased in advance at the Clinton Chamber of Commerce office, 200 S. Main.
Heartland’s Christmas production is another comedy, “Rollin’ in Dough in Mistletoe,” Dec. 6, 7, 8 and 14. The Mistletoe Home Tour is set for Dec. 1.
“Queen of the Silent Scream,” a one-act mystery comedy, is slated for 2025.
Linda said she found Scott Cherney’s comedies so entertaining, she is planning to stage “Song of the Canyon Kid,” set in the town of Dirt Clod, Missouri. For more information about attending this play, or participating in future Heartland Theatre productions, call 660-351-5288.
