Paris Community Theatre is geared up for this weekend’s premiere of ‘The White Liars’ and ‘Black Comedy’, which are two comical plays that share the same cast and run together. The showings will start with a special fundraising performance tomorrow night and run through July 27 (July 18-20, 24-27). The play is sponsored by First Federal Community Bank and Harrison, Walker & Harper.
‘The White Liars’ – Eccentric fortune teller, Sophie, tells Tom his fortune, as he listens with apparent dismay. (eParisExtra photo by Josh Allen)
‘The White Liars’, directed by Lisa Martin, is a comedy, revolving around two young men as they consult a disillusioned and eccentric fortune teller living in a decaying seaside resort, while ‘Black Comedy’, directed by Will Walker, is a one-act farcical play that involves a young sculptor and a power outage that leaves all the characters unable to see in the dark.
“‘The White Liars’ is a wonderful character piece with lots of surprises,” Martin said. “It really shows how people present themselves to the world, versus how they really are.”
“‘Black Comedy is in the dark, although to the audience it will be lighted, and really reveals that everyone is honest in the dark,” Walker added.
‘Black Comedy’ – Brindsley embraces Clea, as Harold eavesdrops on the conversation.
Cast comments:
“‘Black Comedy’ has been a real challenge for me — a delightful challenge,” Haley Hines, who plays Clea, said. “It’s been hard getting the accents down, since it’s a British comedy, but I really think the audiences will enjoy it and get a good laugh.”
Dalton Smith, who plays Frank in ‘The White Liars’ and Brindsley in ‘Black Comedy’, added, “Both shows depict how you should be yourself over lying about your self. The comedy helps portray the message in a farcical style.”
JJ Freelen, who plays Tom in ‘The White Liars’ and Harold in ‘Black Comedy’, said, “I think audiences will enjoy the show. ‘White Liars’ is a classic British drama that tells the story of these peoples’ lives and how the white lies stack up to make who they are. And then, ‘Black Comedy’ is a perfect foil to the show because it’s ‘slap-sticky’ and all around fun — a fun show to watch and see what happens to the characters in the dark and the ridiculous situations that happen to them while they cannot see.”
“It’s been a real privilege working with Will directing these two plays, as well as the cast and crew,” Martin concluded.
Showtimes are 7:30 each evening, with matinee showings on each Sunday at 2:30 p.m. The special fundraising performance tomorrow will go to the benefit of the New Hope Center of Paris and is being hosted by Premier Home Care & Hospice, as well as the play’s regular sponsors.
By Josh Allen, eParisExtra
‘The White Liars’ – Tom shoves Frank down after angering lies are revealed to him.
‘Black Comedy’ – Miss Furnival is passed out after too much to drink, while Brindsley attempts to ‘hide’ Harold’s couch.
‘Black Comedy’ – Brindsley prays for all to go well, as Carol is caught by surprise when the power goes out.
‘Black Comedy’ – Millionaire Bamberger enters, while Brindsley and Clea hide from Harold and the Colonel (not pictured)
