‘Great comedy, national tragedy’ explored

Published 11:33 am Wednesday, November 11, 2015

“Our Leading Lady,” written by Charles Busch, set in April of 1865 on the eve of the conclusion of the Civil War, recounts the struggles of real life Laura Keene, a remarkable woman who was a major influence on American theater in the mid-19th century.

Directed by Richard Stephens and produced by Dr. Lara Starcevich, “Our Leading Lady” is a backstage comedy that will take a bow at Peninsula College’s Little Theater (1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd., Port Angeles) in November.

The play, described by director Richard Stephens as a “great comedy about a national tragedy,” runs at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13-14, Nov. 20-21 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 15 and Nov. 21.

Stephens returns as director and production designer to Peninsula College, having previously designed and directed “Salome” and “Return to the Forbidden Planet.” He also has designed numerous productions for Peninsula College including “Freak Like Me,” “The Rocky Horror Show” and “Cannibal, the Musical.”

“This play is such a great love letter to the people who work every day in theater,” Stephens said.

The cast will feature the leading roles of Jade Evans as Laura Keene and Daylin Scott as Harry Hawk.

Other actors include K. MacGregor as Gavin De Chamblay, Megan Mundy as Verbena De Chamblay, Debbie Bourquin as Maude Bentley, Hugh Carino as W.J. Ferguson, Victoria Smith as Madame Wu-Chan, DyNara Rystrom as Clementine Smith — members of the Ford Theater Company, and Bob Carter as Major Hopwood and Jack Simpson and Aaron Dudley as Union soldiers.

Tickets are $12 for general admission, $10 for seniors and non-PC students, and free for current Peninsula College students. Tickets are available online or at the door.