‘A Farce of Nature’ meets Boone County’s MSP in a whirlwind of comedy

By Anne Eickstadt

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTOS Belvidere Republican
Ty explains to his girlfriend how his disguise (“I’m an actor. It’s a costume”) makes his calves look good.

Editor

From the first moments of the play, the laughter continues to the end. This Southern-fried farce highlights one day in the life of the Wilburn family of Mayhew, Arkansas. Meet D. Gene Wilburn, the owner and proprietor of the Reel ‘Em Inn, the finest little fishing lodge in the Ozarks. Well, it used to be, but lately business is down, tourists are few, and the lone guest who’s just checked in – an extremely jittery Carmine DeLuca from Chicago – is only there due to a location shift in the Witness Protection Program. Doesn’t anybody just want to fish anymore?

In the deliciously funny romp that ensues, they all hide, lie, disguise themselves, cross-dress, and slam doors chasing one another, while trying to figure out the source of an increasingly awful stench. Yet by the delightfully chaotic climax of this one outrageous day, love blossoms, truths are revealed, and the lives of all – family, guests, and gangsters alike – change in incredible and surprising ways.

‘Farce of Nature’ is being directed by Vince Melillo. Vince has been with the Main Street Players of Boone County since 2011. This is the second show he has directed for MSP, both of them comedies.

“Every night, this gets better and better,” Melillo said. “I’ve been calling this show ‘must-see-theater.’ It’s the funniest show I’ve ever been involved with. The cast is doing a great job. Not to pat myself on the back or anything, but I think I placed everyone in the right role. Everybody is pulling his or her character out. The show is great. I’m actually sad that we have started performing it, that means that it’s about to end.”

Seth Lambright performs the role of young Ty Wilburn – who is being chased by his sexy, married boss, Lola, while trying to prove to his girlfriend, Jenna, that he has been faithful to her while in Chicago.

“Beauty is a pain,” he said. I never thought in a million years that I would have to dress like this (a dress, wig, make-up, and inch and a half heels). Eye shadow is terrible! (Yes, ladies, you may start to giggle now.) It’s a great show.”

“I had an amazing time,” said Harmony Thornton who plays Officer Maxie. “This is my second show with the MSP this season. I’d love to bring that character to life. Tonight (opening night) with all the laughs is worth all the practice – we are getting the reaction we were hoping for.

“It’s an interesting part,” said Keith Burritt, of playing lodge owner D. Gene Wilburn. “It’s a fun part and a fun show. Everyone should come see it ‘cuz I heard a lot of laughs.”

“It’s the most hilarious show I’ve been in,” said Dawn Huff, the sexy Lola Barbosa. “Rehearsals were a riot. We have a…

For complete article, pick up the May 16 Belvidere Republican.