Hilarity on Stage! Mark Twain’s New Comedy “Is He Dead?” Adapted by David Ives Opens May 31st thru June 15th

Tickets On Sale Now

Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7:30 PM

May 31, June 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15

Sunday  Matinees 2:00 PM June 2 & 9

Mark Twain's "Is He Dead?"

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.

Photo of Patrick David
Patrick David Both Stars and Shines as Jean-Francois Millet and the 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

 

PPF Rehearsal Photograph
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.

 

Twain created a circle of friends for Millet as wide as the United Nations. L to R: Thane Tuttle as Dutchy, Christopher Schwartz as O'Shaughnessy, and Craig Geoffrion as Chicago
Twain created a circle of friends for Millet as wide as the United Nations. L to R: Thane Tuttle as Dutchy, Christopher Schwartz as O’Shaughnessy, and Craig Geoffrion as Chicago

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 as Cecile.
Thane Tuttle as Dutchy, Craig Geoffrion as Chicago and Danine Welsh, in her PPF Stage Debut, as Cecile
Is He Dead Promo Photo
The Calm Before The Laughter