“LEADING LADIES” LEADS TO ALL SORTS OF COMPLICATIONS

When a pair of young Shakespearian trained actors from London, England find themselves down on their luck without enough money between them to purchase breakfast, they hatch a scheme (eggless) to pose as long lost heirs to a fortune.  Mrs. Florence Schneider of York, Pennsylvania is seeking the whereabouts of Steve and Max whom she hasn’t seen since they were mere toddlers.  At stake, a three million dollar estate and these actors are poised to claim it.

Enter the farcical world of Ken Ludwig in this extremely silly and fun comedy “Leading Ladies” now enjoying capturing guffaws at Connecticut Cabaret Theatre in Berlin weekends until Saturday, September 10.

An enterprising team Leo Clark (Joe Autuoro) and Jack Gable (James J. Moran) think they have found the legendary pot of gold at the end of the rainbow when they read a story about two missing nephews who have lived in England as actors and are now being sought to claim Mrs. Schneider’s millions.  An accidental meeting on a train with Audrey (Chelsea Neville), a cleverly simple roller skating waitress/college student provides the pair with some inside information to help them with their deception:  the fact that Steve and Max are really Stephanie and Maxine and Steve can neither hear nor speak.

Fortunately the cohorts in crime have a slew of costumes to don when they meet Florence’s niece Meg (Melissa Ingrisano) and her fiancé, the minister, Duncan (Chris Brooks).  To add to the liveliness, Florence (Joanna Callahan-Roohr) who had been declared dead by her doctor (Paul Braccioforte) is very much alive and delighted to welcome Steve and Max back to the family fold.

Romantic rivalries abound, solid sisterhood friendships are cemented, love letters go astray, suspicions as to fraudulent capers persist and, in the middle of the mayhem, a Shakespearian play is being rehearsed in time for a wedding.  Soon all the principals, including Doc’s lovesick son (Jonathan Escobar), are posing with swords and quoting the Bard.  Kris McMurray directs this merry romp for maximum laughs.

For tickets ($30), call the Ct. Cabaret Theatre, 31-33 Webster Square Road, Berlin (just off the Berlin Turnpike) at 860-829-1248 or online at www.ctcabaret.com.  Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m.  Remember to come early and bring snacks to enjoy or purchase desserts on site.

Watch how two leading men become two leading ladies as they plot to win the money and discover the true treasure of love.