Marshall presents historic English farce 'Charley's Aunt'

HUNTINGTON -- It's mistaken identity all over during the well-known English farce "Charley's Aunt," which will be presented by the Marshall University Theatre department Wednesday through Saturday, Feb. 25-28, at 8 p.m. nightly in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

The tale, set in the Victorian period and written by Brandon Thomas, chronicles the dating travails of Jack Chesney and Charley Wykeham, undergraduates at Oxford University. Requiring a chaperone for their dates with Amy and Kitty and with Charley's aunt headed to town, the duo set up the night on the town. When Charley's aunt sends a telegram to say that she has been detained on business and will be a few days late, the boys persuade a male friend to masquerade as Charley's aunt. Hilarity ensues.

"It's all mistaken identity, all these situations they get caught in and work out, physical humor, slamming of doors and chaos," said director and theater professor Gene Anthony. "It has all of those wonderful farcical elements, as well as being a beautiful period piece with extraordinary Victorian costumes and three full sets on a revolving stage."

It's a show that Anthony has known since he was 16 and has wanted to perform with a group of students for decades.

"When we choose a season of players, there are lots of things that go into deciding what to do. This show, for example, takes six young comedic actors at the same time, so you've got to know that you've got that clientele, at least potentially, to pull it off," he said.

Anthony attributes some of the actor "availability" to the new Promise Scholarships offered to West Virginia high school students.

"It takes a kid who's graduating with a 3.0 grade point average and a moderate ACT score and gives them a full four-year ride at any college in the state," he said. "All of a sudden, all these kids who were going off to the selective out-of-state schools are coming here, and we're getting more talented, more terrific, more dedicated actors, really the top echelon of kids into our program. It was a hugely smart decision."

Anthony called the show "fully family-oriented," with "not one single, solitary inappropriate instance."

"It's straight, flat-out comedic entertainment, as clean-cut as a 1930s barber," he said.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and MU faculty and staff and $7 for patrons 17 and younger. Seniors can obtain a special ticket rate of $5 for opening night only.

For tickets or additional information, call (304) 696-2787.