January 31, 2020 (Cicero, IL)–“Unnecessary Farce,” a comedy about nefarious small-town shenanigans, will kick off a new program by Morton College in Cicero to restore the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, located at 3801 Central Ave. in Cicero, as a regular theater venue.
The show will run for two weekends, starting Saturday, February 8 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, February 9 at 2 p.m. Shows will continue the following weekend on February 14 and 15 at 8 p.m. and February 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and veterans, while Morton College students, faculty and staff will be admitted free of charge.
The play features an overheated accountant, a police rookie armed with a water pistol, a bumbling detective and hit man in a kilt who collide in a faced-paced tribute to timing and mayhem. The action revolves around some missing funds, a hidden camera and a secret romance – not to mention donuts.
“It’s not only the funniest play I’ve ever directed, but it’s the funniest play I’ve ever seen,” said director David Knezz, a three-decade professional actor and director. “We have a great cast and they often find themselves cracking up at our rehearsals at the humor in the play. Along with the veteran actors, our cast includes Thom Serafin, who is known to many for doing political analysis on television but has a real flair for comedy.” Knezz is also known widely as an elaborate mask creator.
The farce is the first in a series of plays Morton College plans to present as part of a program to refurbish what the play’s producer Cassie Dawe says is “a lovely intimate theater” in the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center. The college also hopes to create a theater company to attract students to learn theater skills such as set building for play productions. Dawe, who is a senior director and company choreographer for NightBlue Theater, praises the cast of “Unnecessary Farce” as “insanely talented and delightful to work with, showing their love for the art of theatre.”
“Unnecessary Farce” was written by playwright Paul Slade Smith. Cast members include Tammy White as Billie, Tim Feeny as Mayor Meekly, Thom Serafin as Agent Frank Eileen Casey as Mary Meekly, Scott Hayes as Eric, Tim Casey as Todd and Laura Leonardo Ownby as Karen.
Morton College is being assisted in its new program by theater veteran David Daugherty and Giampaolo-Brolley. “We are excited to be working with Morton College to help bring new life to the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center at Morton College,” said Daugherty. “Through our collaboration with the college and local theatre companies, we will reintroduce full performance seasons of theatre, music and dance to Cicero and the surrounding communities. Additionally, we are developing a professional artistic series that will include national touring acts to supplement the new season. Look for a new website and season calendar to be launched this summer.”