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South Valley Riverton Journal

‘Leading Ladies’ Promises To Entertain

Feb 13, 2015 06:15PM ● By Sherry Smith
Many Utah theater-goers have long adored the works of playwright Ken Ludwig, whether or not they knew it. His works such as “Lend Me a Tenor” and “Crazy for You” have been performed in the state many times, but now is your chance to catch the Utah premiere of his farce, “Leading Ladies,” on stage at Riverton High School.

Set in the 1950s, “Leading Ladies” is the story of two down-on-their-luck English Shakespearean actors, Jack and Leo, who have resorted to performing “Scenes from Shakespeare” on the Moose Lodge circuit in the Amish country of Pennsylvania. When the pair discovers that Florence, an old lady, is about to die and wants to leave her fortune to her long-lost English nephews, they are determined to pass themselves off as Max and Steve to claim the inheritance. Chaos ensues when they discover that the nephews are actually nieces, Maxine and Stephanie. Jack and Leo are determined to carry on in drag.

“‘Leading Ladies’ is a silly, screwball romantic comedy that is a cross between ‘Some Like It Hot’ and ‘Noises Off,’ complete with a convoluted plot,” director Clin Eaton said.

The RHS production features a cast of eight with seniors Porter Bagley as Jack and Sam Portlock as Leo.

“The cast brings it all together. It’s one of the funniest plays I’ve ever read. There are lots of twists and turns. Porter and I dress as women for the majority of the show. It’s a crazy farce that people will love,” Sam said.

Also in the cast are McKenna Adams as the old lady and Daryll McKane as Meg, with Ben Brady as the local minister.

“Leading Ladies’ is performed Feb. 19-21 and 23 at 7 p.m. in the Riverton High School auditorium at 12476 South Silverwolf Way. Tickets are available at the door for $7 for adults and $6 for all students high school age and younger.

“Sam and Porter are two of the funniest actors I’ve worked with, and all eight cast members are great with physical comedy and comedic timing. The actors make themselves laugh a lot during rehearsals. This is a great show to visit—a crazy, madcap adventure,” Eaton said.