Comic confusion reigns in 'Aunt'

OREM — Hale Center Theater Orem is pleased to present the classic hit comedy, "Charley's Aunt."

Jack loves Kitty and Charley loves Amy. With a lunch planned and to be chaperoned by Charley's visiting aunt, they are sure to get their chance to express their love. But when Charley's aunt is a no show, it's their school chum (dressed in women's clothing) to the rescue! Comic confusion reigns supreme in this international classic that has kept audiences laughing for more than a century.

"Charley's Aunt" is a farce in three acts written by Brandon Thomas that broke all historic records for plays of any kind, with an original London run of 1,466 performances.

The play was first performed in February 1892. It was produced by former D'Oyly Carte Opera Company actor W.S. Penley, a friend of Thomas', who appeared in the principal role of Lord Fancourt Babberly. Thomas himself played Sir Francis Chesney. The piece was a success, and it then opened in London at the Royalty Theatre on Dec. 21, 1892, and quickly transferred to the larger Globe Theatre on Jan. 30, 1893, to complete its record-breaking run.

It opened on Broadway at the Standard Theatre on Oct. 2, 1893, where it ran for another historic run of four years. The play also toured internationally (with long runs in Paris and elsewhere) and was revived extensively.

Hale Center Theater Orem welcomes two of the funniest actors along the Wasatch Front to the role of Sir Fancourt Babberly (a k a Charley's Aunt), Justin Bruse and Jake Suazo. The duo will alternate duties impersonating Charley's aunt.

Bruse has been seen at numerous Utah theaters in leading roles.

Suazo is a local improvisational comedian, a favorite to audiences at Provo's Comedy Sportz. He is now a member of Thrillionaires Improv Theatre Group.

Taking the helm with directing duties is Chris H. Brower. Those familiar with the annual production of "A Christmas Carol" will recognize his name as the actor who has portrayed Scrooge for many years.

The rest of the ensemble is rounded out with a mostly single cast of accomplished performers, some of whom are veterans of Hale Center Theater Orem, and some who are newcomers to the theater.

If you go

What: "Charley's Aunt"

Where: 225 W. 400 North, Hale Center Theater, Orem

When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10 through Sept. 22

Cost: $11.50-$15.50

Phone: 226-8600

Web: www.haletheater.com