Production History

Carpenter Square Theatre followed its inaugural production of The Rocky Horror Show with Peter Barnes’ The Ruling Class. Presented in the company’s original warehouse theatre, the dark comedy established CST’s early appetite for provocative, unconventional work. When an eccentric aristocrat inherits the Gurney estate, his conviction that he is Jesus horrifies his status-conscious relatives. Their efforts to secure the family fortune and make him socially acceptable lead to a disturbing transformation. Barnes combines farce, musical interludes, and sudden violence in a satire of class privilege, religious authority, and respectable society. Kelly McDonald directed, with Richard Lemin leading the ensemble as Jack.

CST Connections

Kelly McDonald later directed The Ritz (1986) and The Rocky Horror Show (1986–1987).
Richard Lemin later directed The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and The Elephant Man (1988).
Charlie Dickerson later portrayed Sam in The Cemetery Club (1995).
Michelle DeLong appeared as Googie Gomez in The Ritz (1986).
William Salyers appeared as Max in The Real Thing (1986).
Trey Shelton later portrayed Mr. Carr Gomm in The Elephant Man (1988).
Stephanie Johnson later appeared as the Nurse and helped construct scenery for The House of Blue Leaves (1989).

Press and Photography

The Vista, March 5, 1985 — Preview announcing a March 7 opening.
“Carpenter Square Theater Offers a Breath of Fresh Air,” The Oklahoman, March 10, 1985
“Party Toasts ‘Class’ Cast,” The Oklahoman, March 15, 1985 — Coverage of the cast celebration.

Licensing

Samuel French, Inc. — now administered through Concord Theatricals.

THEATRE UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Stephanie Johnson