British Comedy ‘Butler’ Opens Chicago Street’s 57th Season

Chicago-Street-Theatre-What-Butler-SawIf you’re shopping for a play that combines comedy with sexuality, look no further than “What the Butler Saw,” opening Oct. 14 at Chicago Street Theatre.

This Joe Orton adult farce “is the perfect opener for us,” says Director Lisa Formosa-Parmigiano. “It’s funny and written extremely well; it combines humor with subtle politics and, of course, makes us take a look at ourselves.”

Chicago Street’s theme this season, “Be There,” includes a “Be” catch phrase for each show. For “Butler,” it’s “Be Scandalous,” appropriate because of the constant and blatant sexual overtones.

The risqué plot centers around a psychiatrist, who wastes no time trying to seduce an innocent young woman who is interviewing to be his secretary, the psychiatrist’s nymphomaniac wife, a randy bellhop, and a befuddled police officer. As the tagline suggests, scandal ensues, and so do the comedic twists.

I think Americans, and the British for that matter, are fascinated with scandal and celebrity in general; I also think people live vicariously through outrageous behavior,” says Formosa-Parmigiano.

She is grateful to be working with such a seasoned cast. “There are, what seems, a million entrances and exits alone, which require synced timing. Of course, the delivery of material rests with timing. It’s all very vital to the success of this show. This cast not only can handle it, they embrace it.

The cast consists of Dan Matern, Chesterton; Andy Urschel, Valparaiso; Kelley Weisenbacher, Valparaiso; Dave Pera, Valparaiso; Peyton Daley, Michigan City; and Matt Hummel, Valparaiso.

Tickets are available now at the CST Box Office, located at 154 W. Chicago St. in Valparaiso. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and two hours before each production. The box office phone number is (219) 464-1636, Ext. 1. Tickets also are available for purchase online by visiting www.chicagostreet.org

The 57th season at CST is generously supported by Urschel Laboratories, UFS Corporation, Target, Vogelsang Asset Management, Porter County Community Foundation, South Shore Arts, the Indiana Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Join us for an opening night gala on Friday, Oct. 14 at Pestos in Valparaiso. Everyone in the audience is invited to join the cast and crew for complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.

What the Butler Saw Performance Schedule
Oct. 14-29, 2011

  • Friday, Oct. 14 – 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 15 – 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 16 – 2:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 21 – 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 22 – 2:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 23 – 2:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Oct.27 – 8 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 28 – 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 29 – 8 p.m.

Prices

  • Adult tickets $18
  • Seniors (62+) $15
  • Students (21 and younger) $15
  • Veterans $15