A.D. Players Presents CHARLEY'S AUNT Now thru 8/26

A. D. Players theater will close their 2011/2012 season with the British comedy Charley's Aunt by BranDon Thomas on their MainStage tonight, July 4th through August 26, 2012.

"It is a classic farce: a feel good, forget your worries, laugh until your sides hurt, show," said Director Jennifer Dean. "I was an actor in the show ten years ago, and I have such great memories of audiences doubled over in laughter. I can't wait to see the audience reaction to this production."

In Charley's Aunt college students Charley and Jack Pressure a fellow student to pose as Charley's Brazilian Aunt Donna Lucia in order to have a chaperon for their amorous visits with Amy and Kitty, niece and ward of crusty Stephen Spettigue. Confused identities and misguided amorous intentions lead to hilarious complications in this stellar comedy. With an original London run of 1,466 performances, it broke all historic records for plays of any kind, and has continued to be produced around the country, last appearing at A. D. Players in 2002.

The cast of Charley's Aunt includes A. D. Players company actors Linford Herschberger as Brassett, Marty Blair as Charley Wykeham, Kevin Dean as Lord Fancourt Babberly, Katharine Hatcher as Kitty Verdun, Leslie Reese as Amy Spettigue, Ric Hodgin as Colonel Sir Francis Chesney, Chip Simmons as Stephen Spettigue, and Patty Tuel Bailey as Donna Lucia D'Alvadorez. Rounding out the cast are A. D. Players' intern Blake Weir as Jack Chesney and guest artist Leslie Lenert as Ela Delahay.

The production staff for Charley's Aunt includes Director Jennifer Dean, Christy Watkins as Assistant Director, Scenic Design by Robin Gillock, Properties Design by Katharine Hatcher, Lighting Design by Mark A. Lewis, Costume Design by Donna Southern Schmidt, and Hannah Smith as Production Stage Manager.

A. D. Players will offer a special holiday matinee on July 4th at 2:30pm to give patrons a chance to escape the Houston heat and leave the theater in time for evening fireworks.
Tickets are on sale now. Group, student, and senior discounts available. Ticket information below.

Charley's Aunt runs July 4 - August 26, 2012. Performances are Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Sunday matinees at 2:30pm. Additional performances July 4th at 2:30pm, Wednesdays (7/11, 7/18) at 7:30pm, and Saturday (7/28) at 2:30pm.  Previews are Wednesday, July 4 at 2:30pm and Thursday, July 5 at 7:30pm. Preview tickets are $15. A $2 convenience fee applies to online ticket purchases.

Patrons are invited to stay after the performance every Thursday for a Talk Back with the Artistic Staff and Actors. No additional charge.  A caption and audio described performance will be held Sunday, July 29 at 2:30pm

Tickets are $32-41. Groups of 10 or more, Seniors, and Students can receive special discounts. For more information about group pricing, contact the Box Office at 713-526-2721 or visit www.adplayers.org/tickets-group.

Tickets to Charley's Aunt may be purchased online at www.adplayers.org, at the A. D. Players Box Office, 2710 W. Alabama, or by calling 713-526-2721.

Founded in 1967 by Jeannette Clift George, A. D. Players pioneered a unique style of theater committed to producing plays and programs that uphold human value, offer creativity, and promote literacy and education. The company is one of Houston's largest resident theater companies, impacting more than nine million people. Annually, the company produces five Mainstage shows and four Children's Theater shows, fields a National Touring Unit, and maintains a year-round Theater Arts Academy. A. D. Players is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. We share our mission with volunteers, community associates, and those who make our work possible through their support. For additional information, visit www.adplayers.org or call 713-526-2721.