The Laughs Keep Coming at Hedgerow With BULLSHOT CRUMMOND, Beginning Tonight

Using the philosophy that one good farce deserves another, Hedgerow Theatre follows its popular summer comedy with BULLSHOT CRUMMOND, a madcap parody of 1930s detective films that recreates in comic fashion movie special effects on stage. It runs from tonight, September 3, to October 11, with previews today and tomorrow, September 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. and the opening night this Saturday, September 5 at 8 p.m.

Ron House, Diz White, John Neville-Andrews, Alan Shearman and Derek Cunningham's critically praised 1974 play features a plane crash, a manic car chase, sword fighting, a supervillain, a femme fatale, and a damsel in distress, not to mention a large amount of slapstick, bizarre and unlikely events, rapid-fire costume changes and actors who play multiple roles.

The title character is a takeoff of Bulldog Drummond, a pulp-fiction character of the '30s, an ingenious WWI vet with great intelligence and amazing crime-solving skills, partially based on Sherlock Holmes and one of the inspirations for James Bond. Bullshot Crummond, on the other hand, is certainly dashing and daring, but seems to solve crimes more by accident than skill. The hilarious plot involves an attempt by the dastardly evil Otto von Brunno and his mistress Lenya to take over the international diamond trade by kidnapping a professor with a secret formula for synthetic gems. The professor's daughter, Rosemary Fenton, a charming ingenue, contacts Bullshot to save her dad.

Brock D. Vickers, who has been seen in many Hedgerow productions, plays Bullshot Crummond. Otto and Lenya are portrayed by Hedgerow Fellows Josh Portera and Allison Bloechl. Mary Beth Shrader, who played Reece in last year's Communicating Doors, returns as Rosemary. Rounding out the cast is newcomer Bryan Black, a 1914 graduate of the University of the Arts, who handles seven parts.

It's directed by Matt Tallman, a Philadelphia actor and director who played Richard Hannay in last summer's 39 Steps, a play much in the same vein. In fact, Tallman once played Bullshot early in his career, and recommended the play while appearing at Hedgerow as a good fit for the theatre.

Adult ticket prices for Friday, Saturday evening and Sunday shows are $34; Thursday and Saturday twilight shows are $29. There is a $3 discount for seniors. Tickets for those 30 and under are $20 and $15 for students with valid ID. Tickets for the previews on September 3 and 4 are $20 for adults and $15 for students. For groups of 10 or more, tickets are $18. It is also possible to purchase a membership, which provides half-price tickets for all shows. Prices include all fees and are subject to change.

For reservations or more info, call 610-565-4211 or visit www.HedgerowTheatre.org. Hedgerow Theatre is located at 64 Rose Valley Road in Rose Valley (near Media).