Emporia State Summer Theatre presents the third show of its 62nd season, “Don’t Dress For Dinner.” Written by Marc Camoletti, this fast and furious farce follows Bernard (Mitchell Hoover, Oxford), as he plans a romantic weekend with his mistress (Aubrey Jenkins, Admire) while his wife, Jacqueline (Lisa Tinker, Derby), is away. At his charming converted French farmhouse, Bernard has arranged for a cook (Paige Lundin, Valley Center) to prepare gourmet delights and has invited his best friend Robert (Andrew Ralston, Topeka) along to provide an alibi.
It’s foolproof. What could possibly go wrong?
Suppose Robert turns up not realizing quite why he has been invited. Suppose Robert and Jacqueline are secret lovers and have consequently determined that Jacqueline will not leave for the weekend. Suppose the cook has to pretend to be the mistress and the mistress is unable to cook. Suppose everyone's alibi gets confused with everyone else's. An evening of hilarious confusion ensues as Bernard and Robert improvise at breakneck speed.
“Don’t Dress For Dinner” is under the direction of Jim Bartruff. Assisting with the production are assistant director Nathan Dale Short (Paola), scenic designer Chris Lohkamp, costume designer Amanda Dura, sound designer Andrew McCutcheon (Gardner), production stage manager Fran Opheim (Olathe) and assistant stage manager Logan Wohlford (Valley Center).
“Don’t Dress For Dinner” runs July 13 through 16 at 7:30 pm. All performances will be in the Karl C. Bruder Theatre located at 1301 Market St. For tickets to this performance, visit the Memorial Union Ticket Office or call 620-341-6378.