The Western Reserve Playhouse
Presents
THE HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVES
Written by John Guare
Directed by August Scarpelli
January 30th & 31st
Friday & Saturday at 8:00pm
Artie Shaugnessy is a songwriter with visions of glory. Toiling by day as a zookeeper, he suffers in seedy lounges by night, plying his wares at piano bars in Queens, New York, where he lives with his wife, Bananas, much to the chagrin of Artie’s downstairs mistress, Bunny Flingus, who’ll sleep with him anytime but refuses to cook until they are married. On the day the Pope is making his first visit to the city, Artie’s son Ronny goes AWOL from Fort Dix, stowing a homemade bomb intended to blow up the Pope in Yankee Stadium. Also arriving are Artie’s old school chum, now a successful Hollywood producer, Billy Einhorn, with starlet girlfriend in tow, who holds the key to Artie’s dreams of getting out of Queens and away from the life he so despises. But like many dreams, this promise of glory evaporates amid the chaos of ordinary lives.
AUDIENCE REVIEWS:
"The intimacy of the small theatre and the casualness of the atmosphere made the whole night feel special. The acting was incredible, truly top notch. The set design was excellent. Props and set decoration screamed 1960’s, and the costume for the Pope was perfect. The theater itself felt homey and welcoming, and I really enjoyed the bar and nibbles. Overall, I really enjoyed the show. The set was very cool, the actors were great, and it was a unique experience with an unexpected ending.”
"Great direction of a good play; the acting was superb. The intimate setting made it feel like you were right in the action. Excellent acting and characters, interesting period piece, and quality lighting and sound. The staff was friendly and helpful. It was fun and unique — I’ve never seen an audience confused before.”
RATED: R GENRE: Dark Comedy
Western Reserve Playhouse is an award-winning theatre of Summit County; housed in a Historic Barn of Ohio.
3326 Everett Rd
Richfield, OH 44286