Salem opens with ‘Farce’

If you go

What: “Unnecessary Farce”

When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and again Sept. 19 and 20; and 2 p.m. Sunday and Sept. 21

Where: Salem Community Theater

Tickets: 330-332-9688 for reservations

Staff report

SALEM

Salem Community Theater’s 38th season will open Friday with the comedy “Unnecessary Farce.”

The production will run weekends through Sept. 21.

The fast-paced show, written by Paul Slade Smith, features a cast of seven, directed by David El’Hatton of Youngstown.

“Unnecessary Farce” combines elements of a classic farce with a contemporary American plot type: the police procedural. The two rookie cops are not just fighting crime, they’re also battling mistaken identities, thwarted lovers, unintentional innuendo and an inordinate number of slamming doors.

Set in an economy motel room, an embezzling mayor (played by Davie Wack) is supposed to meet with his female accountant (Brandy Johanntges). In the room next door, two undercover cops are supposed to catch the meeting on videotape. However, there is some confusion as to who is occupying which room, who is watching the video, who has taken the money, who has hired a Scottish hit man (Craig Conrad) and why the accountant keeps taking off her clothes.

Due to some of these adult situations, the show is considered PG-13.

Also included in the cast are SCT veterans Julie Benner, Terry Shears, Jordan Pitts and Carl Brockway.

“Unnecessary Farce” is El’Hatton’s directorial debut at Salem. His first appearance acting at the theater was in this summer’s production of Mel Brooks’ “The Producers.”

His previous directing projects include “Arsenic and Old Lace,” “Harvey” and “Enchanted April” at the Youngstown Playhouse.

Curtain times for “Unnecessary Farce” are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and again Sept. 19 and 20; and 2 p.m. Sunday and Sept. 21. Call the box office at 330-332-9688 for reservations. The theater is at 490 E. State St.