Broutil & Frothingham Productions presents “Tour de Farce,” by Philip LaZebnik and Kingsley Day, at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. The show runs Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. The show closes March 23.
Tickets are $24.50 Thursdays and Sundays; $26.50 Fridays and Saturdays (students $5 off). Call (773) 327-5252 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
“Tour de Farce,” directed by Terry McCabe, features versatile actors George Seegebrecht and Joan Maurer, who appear in five roles each.
Herbert Gladney has spent every waking moment of the last 10 years working on his best-selling book “Marriage is Forever,” unaware that his own marriage is falling apart. His wife Rebecca is willing to continue the “happy couple” charade through the book tour (for the money), but is getting tired of the act. Meanwhile, tabloid TV reporter Pam Blair hides in their hotel room closet, longing to broadcast any dirt she can find on the Gladneys and their “perfect” marriage. Slamming doors, mistaken identities and split-second timing contribute to a side-splitting farce.
Seegebrecht plays the roles of Herbert, Senator Ryan (formerly involved with Rebecca), gloomy Swedish cameraman Gunnar Gustafson, Bill the bellboy and Senator Ryan’s wife Delilah. Maurer portrays Rebecca Gladney, Pam Blair, actress/model Gwenda Hill (who is carrying on with Senator Ryan), Sister Barbara (an accordion-playing nun), and Nina, the thieving hotel maid.
Director Terry McCabe describes “Tour de Farce” as a “lightning fast, door slamming sex farce.” He says the play would still be funny if it were played with 10 actors, but that a huge part of the fun for the audience is knowing that all these characters are being brought to life by just two people.
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