Stratford HS Drama Society Brings 'Charley’s Aunt' To The Stage

It’s a riotous case of mistaken identity, young love, old love, Brazil (“where the nuts come from”), and an angry uncle -- with one beautiful, exotic aunt thrown in -- during the SHS Drama Society’s production of the classic play Charley’s Aunt.

The production, a farce in three acts written by Brandon Thomas, will be performed on the Wooster Middle School stage on November 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. All seats are $10. To order tickets or for more information call (203) 380-6777 (ext. 1234) or visit www.stratfordk12.org/stratfordhigh.

“Although it’s an old show, the comedy in it will definitely keep the audience off their feet,” said Stephanie Iodice, who plays the title character Donna Lucia d’Alvadorez. “Something I’d love for the audience to acknowledge from the show is its classicality and comedy.”

The show’s cast includes: Stephen Spettigue – uncle of Amy, guardian of Kitty, and the story's villain – Nicholas Ferrari; Colonel Sir Francis Chesney – father of Jack Chesney – Ronan Johnston; Jack Chesney – Oxford undergraduate, in love with Kitty – Lucas Smith; Charles Wykeham – Oxford undergraduate, in love with Amy – Nick Nunez; Lord Fancourt Babberley – undergraduate pulled unwillingly into Jack and Charley's scheme – Tyler Tripodi; Brassett – Jack's valet – Matt Coutinho; Donna Lucia d’Alvadorez – Charley's aunt from Brazil – Stephanie Iodice; Amy Spettigue – Stephen Spettigue's young niece – Alexis Detuzzi; Kitty Verdun – Stephen Spettigue's young ward – Abby Walsh; and Ela Delahay – orphaned young woman accompanying Donna Lucia – Katelyn Ferrari.

In his second appearance in a SHS Drama Society production, Tyler Tripodi is playing the role of Lord Fancourt Babberley. “I'm playing Lord Fancourt Babberly. He is a college aged male who is fairly wealthy. I've changed his movements a bit from being stiff and upper class English to more fluid because that's how I am. I've also changed some of his reactions so that they are more comical.”

While Charley’s Aunt has been around since 1892, the cast members say it still holds laughs for a modern audience.

“Shows like this one have a sort of timeless humor to them,” said Abby Walsh, who plays Kitty. “Every time you watch it you find something else to laugh about. Shows like that never die, whether it be now or 15 years from now people will always find it funny.”

Alexis Detuzzi, who play Amy, added, “This play definitely offers a wide variety of comedy. From the lines between characters to the physical comedy, there is never a dull moment on the stage.”

Charley’s Aunt is the second SHS production for Matt Coutinho, who plays Brassett. For him, being in the show has been a very positive experience. “Being in this show is a way for me to express my artistic side through theater. My favorite memory from being in the cast is to be able to get closer with my fellow cast mates and amazing director!”

Nicholas Ferrari, who plays Spettigue, added, “I would like the audience to go home from the show laughing and having enjoyed the comedy, it is a very funny show.”

Charley’s Aunt is directed by Kathie Murphy, produced by Jeff Leinen, with sets built under the direction of Mike Rich and Jeff Leinen, and co-stage managed by Antonio Pensanti and Natalie Melo. Backstage crew include Alex Bilan, Elena Clark, Phillip Francis, Madelyn Gabriel, Huy Huong, Hayley Ivanko, Lucas Jenkins, Noah Quinn, Nick Rayho, Elizabeth Richards, TJ Ruffin, Rees Stafford, Aileen Suarez, and Sabrina Tripodi.

The show will be performed on the Wooster Middle School stage on November 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. All seats are $10. To order tickets or for more information call (203) 380-6777 (ext. 1234) or visit www.stratfordk12.org/stratfordhigh.