Charley’s Aunt (2004)

Performances

November 5-7, 11-14, 18-20, 2004

Venue

Community Players Theatre

Synopsis

Jack Chesney loves Kitty Verdun, and Charley loves Miss Amy Spettigue. They invite the ladies to meet Charley’s wealthy aunt from Brazil, “where the nuts come from.” Cancelling her visit at the last minute, the millionaire aunt sends the boys into cataclysmic confusion. What do they do now? The problem is solved by putting their feckless Oxford undergrad pal into a black satin skirt, bloomers and wig. As “Charley’s Aunt,” this charming frump is introduced to the ladies, to Jack’s father, and to Stephen Spettigue, Amy’s guardian. When the real aunt turns up, classic comic confusion ensues as Fancourt Babberley, posing as “Charley’s Aunt,” tricks Spettigue into agreeing to the marriage of his ward, the real aunt marries Jack’s father, Jack gets Miss Verdun, and Fanny Babs regains the fortune he lost at gambling as well as the girl he loves.

Author: Brandon Thomas

Historian’s Corner

A revival of “Charley’s Aunt” was up next for the Players. The show was first performed in the 1986-1987 season. The show was complimented by the reviewer for how well the actors handled this complicated and wordy comedy of manners in this contemporary era. The technical area was also praised for the interesting way in which a box set shell could become several different locales in the play by just adding a few pieces of furniture or curtains.