Struggling artist Payne Showers finally gets his Big Break. He dies. Fortunately, Payne's death greatly inflates the value of his work. Unfortunately, his estranged wife, Maggie, must sell it all to avoid bankruptcy. Just days before the auction, Maggie and her high-strung gallery manager, Richard, host a private showing. The guests of honor are influential newspaper maven Judith Fontaine; the fabulously rich real estate mogul Mick Fitzgerald; Trent, a gorgeous but dim-witted soap opera actor; Graciela, a streetwise cocktail waitress; and Emma, a humorless art critic. To Maggie's delight, Mick Fitzgerald buys dozens of paintings. Not only will the deal rescue her financially, but Judith Fontaine is covering the story. The resulting publicity will put Maggie's gallery on the map! At this point, the only thing that could go wrong would be if Payne Showers were to walk through the door. Then Payne Showers walks through the door. Artifice is a farcical take on celebrity and success and an affectionate tribute to loyalty and love.
This play is presented by arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company.
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TICKET DATES:
Friday, April 14, 2023 - PHONE LINES OPEN TO GENERAL PUBLIC
BUY TICKETS
Online ticket sales close at 4:00 pm on Friday for current weekend performances.
For Thursday night performances only, online ticket sales close at 4:00 for that evening's performance.
Tickets can be purchased at the theater's box office one hour prior to all performances.
Friday, April 28 - Opening Night 7:00 PM
Saturday, April 29 - 7:00 PM
Sunday - April 30 - 2:00 PM Matinee
Friday, May 5 - 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 6 - 7:00 PM
Sunday - May 7 - 2:00 PM Matinee
Director: Joanna Lassley
Resident Set Designers/Technical Directors: Dave & Laurie Uhler
Resident Costume Designer: Andrew Ralston
Stage Manager: Candice Massie
In order of appearance
Maggie La Rue - Karen Bartlett
Richard - Tom McElroy
Graciela - Cristin Belnay
Trent Matlock - Christian Johanning
Judith Fontaine - Linda Boyd
Mick Fitzgerald - Todd Wiechman*
Emma - Amanda Garvey
Payne Showers - Shawn Nyberg
*denotes TCT/HHT debut
Thank you to everyone who auditioned! Selecting only 8 actors was extremely difficult as there were so many talented auditioners. Everyone brought something wonderful to the table and I hope to get the chance to work with everyone who auditioned in the future!
Cast, please email Kari Johnson today at Kari@topekacivictheatre.comto accept your role.
The first rehearsal will be a full cast read- through on Tuesday, March 21 at 7pm in the HHT rehearsal hall (admin building, where auditions were held).
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