Coming May 15!!

Riverfront Playhouse to present French farce Riverfront Playhouse, 11-13 S. Water St., Aurora, will present the French farce The Little Hut, starting May 15 and running through June 20, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm. Originally produced on Broadway, The Little Hut was made into a movie starring David Niven, Ava Gardner and Stewart Granger in 1957. However, as director David Morris points out, the film version was considerably watered down and didn't do justice to the underlying sexiness of the stage play. "The play is truly French in its outlook on life and love," says Morris. "It manages to both wonderfully sophisticated and ridiculously silly, often at the same time." Morris describes The Little Hut as a " kind of naughty fairy tale for adults, though with nothing offensive in word or deed -- unless you have a dirty mind. But, of course, past a certain age, who doesn't?" The story revolves around Philip and Susan, a happily-married couple who are shipwrecked on a desert island with their best friend, Henry. Although clad in tuxedos and evening dress, the trio are actually thriving in their new environment. But there is one proverbial fly in the ointment: the wife and best friend have been having an affair for the last six years. Unfortunately, due to the change in their circumstances, slipping away for some "afternoon delight" is no longer an option. Poor Henry is reduced to sleeping alone in the little hut, while Susan and Philip enjoy martial bliss in the big hut. Frustrated beyond endurance, Henry finally decides to confront Philip and demand that he share Susan. Of course, the consequences of this decision are both unexpected and hilarious. And the comic possibilities multiply when a Stranger -- a male native of the island -- eventually appears on the scene and decides that he, too, is interested in Susan. Morris reports that no one has done this play locally since his production at the Pheasant Run Playhouse in the early 60s, starring Denise Darcel -- a French "bombshell" featured in such films as Battleground. Morris founded the Riverfront Playhouse in 1978, after working in the professional theatre in the Chicago area for many years as an actor, director and designer. He also spent many years teaching theatre, including a decade at Tusculum College in Tennessee. Now 82 and retired, Morris says he enjoys returning to the Riverfront, though he is no longer able to leap onto the stage when he gives the Riverfront's trademark curtain speech. "Leaping," he says, "is no longer in my repertoire. But, I manage, somehow." The cast features several longtime Riverfront regulars, as well as some new additions to the acting company. The married couple, Susan and Philip, are played by Cheri Anseth and Don Reid. Gary Puckett is the best friend and Brandon Van Lear portrays the Stranger. Vicki White is Stage Manager and Colette Shelby is Assistant Director. The set design is by Don Reid, with lighting by Gene Scheffler. Costumes will be provided by Toni Hix. Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $12.00 for seniors and students. Group rates are also available. For more information, call the Riverfront Playhouse box-office at 630.897-9496 or go to the website at riverfrontplayhouse.com.