BLT to stage light comedy
The fourth production for the Butler Little Theatre's 76th season will be “Elvis Has Left the Building” by V. Cate and Duke Ernsberger, opening March 10.
Under the direction of Stefan Lingenfelter with production by Ric Medic, the comedy promises to have laughs aplenty.
The story tells of a missing Elvis, an overdue debt and some serious improvising.
Elvis Presley's manager, Colonel Parker, gets into a sticky situation in which he owes a debt involving Elvis, but Elvis can't be found. The Colonel comes up with a desperate plan to pay back his I.O.U.
The Colonel will be played by Bob Dandoy of Butler.
“This is a highly fictionalized version of the Colonel as is the entire plot of the show,” Dandoy said.
“The real Colonel Parker was not nearly as blustery as I'm portraying him in the play. He was also even more so in control of Elvis and his career than is indicated,” he added.
Dandoy is known for his loud and animated nature, so the role is somewhat tailor made for him.
“Seriously, Colonel Parker is a demanding, take control guy. I would like to think I'm a little more gracious and subtle in my dealings with other people,” he said.
Dandoy has had a few large gaps between productions, but his love of the theater keeps him returning.
“I wanted this next show to be something silly and fun. This certainly fits the bill,” he said.
Cast in the role of Rosco is Phillip Ball of Butler.
“He is an enthusiastic and naïve assistant and gofer to Colonel Parker and fanatic of Elvis,” said Ball, whose comedic instincts and vocal flexibility will be key in crafting this role.
“I had read a scene for the BLT play selection presentation with Bob last year, and we made a mental note to be on the look out for the auditions. We both knew that this play could be a lot of fun,” he said. “It's a funny light comedy that has no political message or social commentary.”
Colonel Parker's secretary, Trudy, is being played by Stephanie Kobil of Butler.
“Trudy is the Colonel's German secretary and basically handles everything for him in the office,” Kobil said.
She said she was searching for a fun show to do and hasn't taken stage with the BLT for a year and a half, so she thought this production would be perfect.
“I did not see the show prior. I am practicing my German accent so that I maintain it throughout the show,” she said of her preparation.
“I love that this show is based on real life events and people. The Colonel, Elvis Presley's manager, did have a secretary named Trude (different spelling) who was right by his side for many years,” Kobil said.
The show also stars Donald Shearer and Allison Torres.
WHO: Butler Little TheatreWHAT: “Elvis Has Left the Building”WHEN: March 10 to 18, at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayWHERE: One Howard St.TICKETS: $12, call 724-287-6781 from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays or online (for additional $2 charge/ticket) at www.bltgroup.org
