Recordpub.com - Trio of performances set at KSU's Porthouse Theatre

By Alison Lucci

Special to the Record-Courier

Comedy and escapism are the themes this summer at the Porthouse Theatre in Cuyahoga Falls. The theater will present three comedies this summer, two of which are musicals.

Many of the theater’s subscribers have been asking for comedies and the current economic climate warranted them, said Effie Tsengas, Porthouse’s public relations and marketing director.

“With the state of the contry and the economy, we thought comedies would be the perfect way for people to escape,” she said.

Tsengas emphasized that outdoor pavilion, located next to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, provides a unique and affordable night out. Tickets range from $13 to $30, and audience members are welcome to bring picnic supplies, including alcohol, to enjoy before or after the show. The summer lineup includes:

“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”

Set in ancient Rome, this slapstick comedy by Stephen Sondheim tells the story of how Pseudolus, a young slave, attempts to win his freedom by helping his master charm the girl next door.

“It features mistaken identities and farce and lots of people running around and love conquering all at the end,” said Laura Nelson, who works in the Porthouse box office.

“A Funny Thing Happened” runs through June 27.

“The Odd Couple”

Written by Neil Simon, this show tells the story of the two friends who become mismatched roommates. After his wife throws him out, neat freak Felix Unger reluctantly takes refuge with longtime friend and recent divorcee Oscar Madison. However, comedy ensues when Felixs’ tidy ways clash with Oscars’ disheveled lifestyle. “The Odd Couple” runs July 2 through 18.

“Annie Get Your Gun”

Peter Stone’s revision of Irving Berlin’s classic tells the story of Annie Oakley’s decision to join Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. Annie may be the best shot in town, but even she can’t resist handsome Frank Butler, the show’s star. Tsengas said the third show of the summer is always the biggest and flashiest performance.

“It takes all summer to build the set and get the costumes ready,” she said.

The Porthouse Theatre is located at 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. For tickets or more information, call the Porthouse Theater box office at 330-672-3884.

The Porthouse Theatre is an extension of the Kent State University School of Theatre and Dance. Though Porthouse is now a professional theatre, it was originally created 41 years ago as an internship program for aspiring theatre students.

Today, the Young Professionals Company at Porthouse provides students countrywide the chance to learn from professionals.

“They have the opportunity to work with professional equity union actors from all over the United States while still learning and acting as the ensemble in the two musicals,” Tsengas said.