Circle Theatre, Grand Rapids’ go-to destination for exceptional theatrical arts in an intimate setting, will continue their 66th Main Stage season with a production of Leading Ladies starting on Thursday, August 9 at 7:30 p.m. inside the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Aquinas College.
Under the direction of Tom Kaechele, Leading Ladies is a hilarious comedy about two Shakespearean actors who find themselves down on their luck. When they hear that an old lady in York, PA is about to die and leave her fortune to her two long lost English nephews, they resolve to pass themselves off as her beloved relatives and get the cash. The trouble is, when they get to York, they find out that the relatives aren’t nephews, but nieces!
“I chose to audition for this show because Tom Kaechele was at the helm,” says Greg Rogers, performing the role of Doc, “I believe this is the 11th "Kaechele" show I've done and I don't know anyone that does it better than Tom."
“Leading Ladies is the most hilarious and well-written script I have read in a while,” said Russ Roozeboom, who plays Duncan in Leading Ladies. “Our director has put together a cast that brings the story alive in such an extraordinary way. The world needs laughter—always—and this show is sure to give audiences a chuckle.”
Cast members include: Liz Brand (Meg), TJ Clark (Jack), David Houseman (Butch), Greg Rogers (Doc), Russ Roozeboom (Duncan), Jason Stamp (Florence), Spencer Tomlin (Leo) and Emily Wetzel (Audrey).
“Leading Ladies will be fast-paced and funny,” according to Liz Brand, performing as Meg. “We've been cracking ourselves up in rehearsal, so I'm sure audiences are going to love it, too!”
Circle Theatre audience members can take advantage of the Lobby Bar on select nights throughout the summer, including the August 10 performance of Leading Ladies. Michigan craft beer and wine are available starting at 7:00 p.m.; beverages can be enjoyed inside the theatre on those evenings.
TJ Clark, a newcomer to the Circle Theatre stage, is no stranger to the top-notch performances. “Plays at Circle Theatre have never failed to impress me. Comedy or drama, they've all been incredibly well performed and directed!”
2018 celebrates Circle’s 66th year of producing plays and musicals for West Michigan audiences. Other upcoming Main Stage productions this season include the Grand Rapids Community Premier of classic musical On The Town. Circle’s unique and diverse Summer Concert Series performances include Bringing Sexy Back: Male Pop/Rock Icons, Silver Screen: Academy Award-Winning Songs, Broadway Babes: Dames of the Stage and We’ll Take You There: Classic R&B. Past Main Stage performances this season include the Michigan Community Premier of the 2015 Tony Award Winner for Best Musical Fun Home, the children’s 2018 Magic Circle production of Snow White, The Queen’s Fair Daughter, the Aaron Sorkin classic play A Few Good Men, and musical Into The Woods. All performances will be held at Circle Theatre’s home, the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Aquinas College.
Other shows for Leading Ladies will run August 10 & 11, 15-18, 22-25 at 7:30 p.m. and August 19 at 5 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the box office at 616-456-6656 or visit Circle’s website www.circletheatre.org.
The Rapidian, a program of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Media Center, relies on the community’s support to help cover the cost of training reporters and publishing content.
We need your help.
If each of our readers and content creators who values this community platform help support its creation and maintenance, The Rapidian can continue to educate and facilitate a conversation around issues for years to come.
Please support The Rapidian and make a contribution today.
