Next up at Church Hill Theatre, Visit to a Small Planet is a bitingly funny comedy about aliens, war, the interface between media and military—and young love. Gore Vidal, best known for historical novels and waspish literary criticism, shows a more hilarious side in this mid-20th century classic. Full-time Administrative Assistant for CHT Liz Clarke directs the show, which will run from April 1 – 17. Producer Bonnie Hill and Stage Manager Michelle Christopher head her production team.
Kreton, a tourist from another galaxy (played by Jerry Lewis in the film version), arrives in Manassas to observe the American Civil War but arrives a century too late in the Spelding family’s back yard. At first disappointed, he eventually decides to create his own far more exciting thermonuclear war. “Isn’t hydrogen fun?” he gurgles. Hilarity ensues as his hosts and their friends muster their human ingenuity to outwit this alien with exceptional super powers.
Liz Clarke, who recently directed Picasso at the Lapin Agile for the Gunston School and Five Women Wearing the Same Dress for CHT, has assembled a strong cast and production team for the Church Hill production. Howard Mesick plays the mischievous Kreton and Pat Martin takes the role of General Tom Powers. Kreton’s hosts are the media pundit Roger Spelding (John Norton), his wife Reba (Debra Ebersole), and daughter Ellen (Shannon Whitaker). Justin Butler plays Ellen’s boyfriend Conrad Mayberry. John Haas plays a military aide, Megan Boyle and Bob McGrory are TV technicians and Maya McGrory is the mysterious Delton 4. The action takes place in a suburban Virginia neighborhood in 1958. The cast is filled with local talent of all ages, making for a laugh-out-loud production!
Visit to a Small Planet runs from April 1 – 17, with performances at 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 pm on Sundays. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for members, and $10 for students, with special prices for groups of fifteen or more. Church Hill Theatre offers a “two-for-one” special on opening night, Friday April 1st (no fooling!) for those who phone in advance. CHT also has attractive membership deals and FlexTicket rates for its entire 2016 season. For more information on the season, or to make reservations call the CHT office at 410-556-6003 or visit CHT
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