‘What the Butler Saw’ provides comedic remedy in Latimer-Shaeffer
Posted on October 1, 2007
Feeling sick? Then I advise you to make an appointment with the newest doctor in town: Dr. Prentice. This zany psychiatrist is coming to JMU and there will be only a short wait to see this doctor, as the school of theatre and dance kicks off its first show of the year with “What the Butler Saw” written by Joe Orton.
Although he may not be able to heal all ailments, he certainly will be able to make you laugh your troubles away. JMU presents the story of a psychiatrist who works and practices in London. The problem is what he practices may not be appropriate to for his profession.
After trying to seduce a client, Prentice’s suspicious wife enters the scene, creating hilarious consequences for the clinic. Mistaken identities, ploys at manipulation, and witty characters guarantee the audience an enjoyable experience. It will also convince the viewer never to go to the doctor’s office again.
George Black, the director of the show, seemed enthusiastic about the students’ reaction to the show.
“It’s a play I’ve known for a very long time,” Black said. “I think it is very funny. I think audiences, particularly the student audience, will enjoy it very much because it’s very edgy and bold.”
Black also commented on the type of humor that the Orton play portrays.
“It’s got a real eccentric humor about it which, I think, is good for today’s audience,” Black said.
Production and practice for “What the Butler Saw” began the last week in August. Black explained that a three-day audition was necessary to find the students that could best portray the characters.
“The only challenge is that you’re coming into a new place where you don’t know the talent pool,” Black said. “So everything is new to me.”
While he admitted that it has been a challenge, Black did not hesitate to mention the advantages of a new place. He explained that not knowing much about the area left no preconceptions of the talent which is an advantage for casting and directing.
Many theater companies around the country have produced this show because of its edgy and bold stance. Although, since time has elapsed since its first production in 1969, it has lost some of its luster but is still considered a very humorous and shocking play.
The show’s premiere will be on Oct. 2-6 at 8 p.m. in the Latimer-Shaeffer Theatre. Tickets are $10 at the door and $8 advance.
Tickets can be bought in Harrison Hall at the Masterpiece Season box office window from 12 p.m. -4 p.m..
About Us | Supplements | Advertising | Contact Us
Website design by Erik Pitzer ('07)
