Alumnae Theatre to Present THE UNDERPANTS, 9/20-10/5

Alumnae Theatre will present a very sexy and very bawdy production of The Underpants, beginning Friday September 20 - Saturday October 5, 2013. The Underpants is an adaptation of the 1910 German farce Die Hose by playwright Carl Sternheim. In this farcical send-up of bourgeois snobbery and conformity, a housewife becomes an instant celebrity after she accidentally loses her underpants in public.

Director Ginette Mohr was drawn to this play for two main reasons. One, for its physical comedy, which she loves staging. Two, for its themes of feminism, gender roles and individuality vs. conformity - themes that were controversial a century ago and still are very relevant today. Through the course of this play, Louise (played by Carolyn Hall) struggles with self-worth and self-identity. Gradually she grows in power and self-confidence until she can challenge her domineering husband (played by AnDrew Anthony).

Mohr was specifically interested in how this play examines traditional notions of women's experiences. In 1910, men were the source of wealth. Choices were few for middle class women and housewifery was the chief vocation. In Germany, women did not win the vote until 1918. Women such as Louise were expected to perform the duties of wifehood, motherhood and hostess, while also being the nurse, dressmaker, tailor, laundress and cook.

The Underpants also features Chantale Groulx in the role of Gertrude Deuter; Scott Farley doing double duty as Frank Versati / King; Michael Gordin Shore as Benjamin Cohen and Jacqueline Costa playing Klinglehoff.

Ginette Mohr is assisted in her direction by Caitlin English. In addition to playing the role of Klinglehoff, Jacqueline Costa will also be tackling Set and lighting design. Costume Design is by Sarah Joy Bennett. Aaron Corbett is the Sound Designer and Composer for this production. The Underpants is produced by Jennifer McKinley.

Tickets: Wednesday 2-for-1; Thursday, Friday & Saturday $20; Sunday PWYC. May be purchased online for Thu/Fri (except opening night)/Sat at www.totix.ca (service charge applies). Additionally, tickets are available by calling the box office 416-364-4170 (box 1) or by e-maililng reservations@alumnaetheatre.com.

Photo by Ginette Mohr

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