Scripps Ranch Theatre presents ‘Unnecessary Farce’
By Ashley Shah
Scripps Ranch Theatre will soon present “Unnecessary Farce,” which is a broad comedy. This production, running May 27-June 15, will wrap up the 2024-2025 season.
“The production is set in the current era, in a medium-sized town in the USA,” director Robert May said.
The performance will involve a seven person ensemble.
“While there are only seven characters, there is a lot of physical comedy that I love seeing the actors play out,” he said.
The story follows two police officers who are a part of a sting. They are trying to figure out who has been embezzling money from the city government. The entire production takes place inside of a motel.
“Because we are in a motel the whole time, there are a lot of doors opening and closing, and we do not know who is coming in and out of the doors. There are mistaken identities, and a lot of chaos, until the very end when we find out who is guilty,” May said.
The two police officers, Eric Sheridan and Billie Dwyer, are played by Danny Lovelle and Brittany Carrillo.
“The two officers are staying in one of the motel rooms. They are working with some of the other characters to try and narrow down the suspect,” May explained.
Karen Brown, played by Melanie Mino, is an accountant who is known to struggle with professionalism.
“She is actually the one who discovered the embezzlement within the government in this city. She is helping the police officers by asking questions to the mayor,” May said.
Mayor Meekly, played by Danny Campbell, is a sweet and innocent character. His wife, Mary Meekly, played by Kat Fitzpatrick, is described as sweet and kind as well.
The mayor’s head of security – agent Frank, played by Robin Thompson – will also be featured.
Lastly, there is Todd who is a Scottish hitman.
“Todd is an outlier that ends up affecting the outcome of the show,” May said.
“I am excited to direct this play because it is a complete escape from everyday life,” May said. “This story is such a comedy, and my goal is always to make people laugh. I want the audience to walk away with a sense of fun and enjoyment and something they can tell their friends and family about.”
The production will run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 23 to June 13. Tickets can be purchased at scrippsranchtheatre.org/tickets or at the theatre grounds. It will be held on the campus of Alliant International University, 9783 Avenue of Nations.