Audiences are Laughing and Loving, and the Critics praising, the Providence Players Production of the Mark Twain/David Ives Comedy “Is He Dead?”
Five Stars From DCMetroTheaterArts.com: “Ultimately, the question really isn’t, “Is He Dead?” The question is, How quickly can you get your tickets so you won’t miss this wild ride of a show that showcases the best of what our local theater community has to offer?”
Final Three Performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Tickets On Sale Here And At The Box Office
Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7:30 PM June 13, 14, 15
At The James Lee Community Center Theater – 2855 Annandale Rd Falls Church VA 22042
What happens when one of America’s greatest author/humorists, Mark Twain, and acclaimed contemporary playwright, David Ives, collaborate on a play more than 100 years apart? Hilarity and rousing theatrical fun! The Providence Players of Fairfax (PPF) proudly close its fifteenth anniversary season with the only play Mark Twain ever penned, “Is He Dead?”. This is a hilarious comedy that focuses on the real-life painter, Jean-Francois Millet. Though brilliant, he is in debt to a ruthless moneylender, and can’t sell a painting to save his life (literally). His cohort of bohemian friends convince him to stage his own death to help boost sales. Authored by Twain in 1898, this play was recently discovered by Twain scholar, Shelley Fisher Fishkin and adapted for the contemporary stage by David Ives. It has only recently hit the professional theater circuit to both critical acclaim and raucous laughter.
Patrick David Stars and Shines as Millet/Widow Tillou
Directed by Beth Hughes-Brown and featuring an outstanding cast of PPF regulars and talented newcomers to the PPF Stage.
| Millet/Widow | Patrick David |
| Chicago | Craig Geoffrion |
| Dutchy | Thane Tuttle |
| O’Shaunessey | Christopher Schwartz |
| Leroux | John Barclay Burns |
| Marie | Liz Mykietyn |
| Cecile | Danine Welsh |
| Mme. Caron | Susan Kaplan |
| Mme. Bathilde | Barbara Gertzog |
| Andre | Larry Craven |
| M.Thorpe, Buyer | Donna Naybor |
| C. Riviere, Reporter | Betsy Hansen |
| Charlie | Cheryl Sinsabaugh |
| King of France | Robbie Snow |
| Sultan of Turkey | Amanda Snow |
| Emperor of Russia | Nick Snow |
Production Design:
Set Design by Raedun de Alba, Set Decoration by Paul Hennesy and Mike Matheisen, Costume Design by Robbie Snow, Lighting Design by Chip Gertzog, Sound Design by Jimmy Gertzog, Makeup Design By Katie Brown
Original Paintings By Paul Hennesy
- Patrick David as Millet and Liz Mykietyn as Marie
Written by Mark Twain in 1898 and adapted by David Ives for the 21st century stage and first performed on Broadway in 2007, Twain’s wit and humor are brought to “life and laugh” by this wonderful cast and Director Hughes-Brown’s unique comic touch.
Don’t miss this final production of the Providence Players’ 15th Anniversary Season. On stage, as always at The James Lee Community Center Theater 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church VA 22031.
Tickets are $18 for Adults $15 for Students and Seniors (62+) and Can Be Purchased Online Here: www.providenceplayers.org, reserved by email at: providenceplayerstickets@cox.net or purchased at the door.
- Thane Tuttle as Dutchy, Craig Geoffrion as Chicago and Danine Welsh, in her PPF Stage Debut, as Cecile
Review Excerpts:
FIVE STARS From DCMetroTheaterArts – Kim Moeller
“Is He Dead?, the latest production from Providence Players of Fairfax (PPF), is the very definition of farce, and an exceptionally funny one at that…Patrick David, as the French artist Millet, shines… David portrays a curiosity and vulnerability…[and his] comic timing and skill with physical humor…are critical to the role. The actors playing Millet’s friends and students—Craig Geoffrion’s “Chicago” Buckner, Thane Tuttle as “Dutchy” von Bismarck, and Christopher Schwartz as O’Shaughnessy—are responsible for much of the show’s success. They are, quite simply, fun to watch and fun to listen to. They can make even some of the most groan-inducing lines seem fresh. The entire ensemble is solid..[as] Papa Leroux, John Barclay Burns looks and sounds the part of the cultured Frenchman. Danine Welsh as Cecile Leroux, and Donna Naybor as the art buyer make the most of their roles combining both attitude and accents to create convincing characters. Barbara Gertzog, Betsy Hansen, Susan Kaplan, Cheryl Sinsabaugh, and the Snows—Robbie, Amanda, and Nick—round out the talented cast. The show’s production team deserves great applause. The sets are incredible. They are as good as many seen on professional company stages…. the entire stage and technical crews did quality work with a challenging, ever-moving show. It truly takes a village to create good theater and Providence Players have assembled a terrific village. Ultimately, the question really isn’t, “Is He Dead?” The question is, “How quickly can you get your tickets so you won’t miss this wild ride of a show that showcases the best of what our local theater community has to offer?”
Showbizradio:
Patrick David gave a strong performance as Jean Francois-Millet and the Widow Tillou. David’s timing and energy are always on the mark. Craig Geoffrion as ‘Chicago’, Thane Tuttle as ‘Dutchy’ and Christopher Schwartz as O’Shaughnessy…carried the comedic performance, bringing much laughter. Larry Craven as dastardly villain Bastien was excellent. Set Designer Raedun de Alba created a beautiful set. Costume designer Robbie Snow made great use of color in her costumes.