WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BABY JUNE (or Ruth)?

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE? (Or Ruth?)


Remember the film from the 60's with Bette Davis and Joan Crawford? It was spooky and twisted and a whole lot of fun. Well, this blog isn't at all about that film, but the title reminds me of our June production of SOMEONE SAVE MY BABY, RUTH. If you didn't have any idea before now, just the title suggests what we're in for with this melodrama.


Do you know anyone who loves puns? They just can't stop uttering them, one after the other. And if you're in the presence of a few pun-lovers they banter is endless. Think of a whole script of puns. Oh, quit groaning, there really is a certain mind that can relate unrelated things and words and sounds, a clever, juggling, playful exercise.


Also, think of surprises. Actually, they are expected surprises. In almost any melodrama a villain is going to sneak in with some sort of startling news (accompanied by the “boo's” from the audience. In almost any melodrama the hero bursts through the door with something like “Here I am to save the day!” (accompanied by the cheers from the audience.) And the heroine—sweet, innocent, lovely—probably will swoon at least once during the course of the action.


Most melodramas are set in the drawing room or the parlor of the heroine. Well, with a title like “Someone Save My Baby, Ruth!” where do you suppose this one is set? Yes, a candy shop. And the characters? Are you ready? Remember it's set in a candy shop. How about Taffy and Toffee and the owner of the shop, Praline Candy. And the heroine? Why, none other than Praline's daughter Penny. On to the villain. None other than Sidney Swindle. And this one even boasts of a villainess—Ada Sourball, of course. I'll let you imagine the name of the hero. C'mon, get your pun-hat on.


All this to encourage you to audition for this fun outing. March 25 at 6:30, March 26 at 10:00AM, and Sunday March 27 at 1:00 at the Warehouse Theatre. No experience is necessary. We welcome all new-comers and all races and genders. The play is only an hour with a whole host of characters so it'd be a great one to start out your experience on stage—not too much memorization and not as much of a rehearsal commitment as a full-length play.


Titus Himmelberger is directing this family-friendly fun. Titus has worked with just about every HG director in the past ten years so he's observed and learned from varying directing styles. He's got an eye for comedy and would welcome your presence. Performances on Laurel Festival weekend.

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