Black Comedy
Peter Shaffer
Opening Date:
December 31, 1987
Closing Date:
January 2, 1988
Peter Shaffer's one-act farce turns stage lighting upside down as characters struggle through a supposed blackout.
Cast & Crew
Brindsley Miller — Todd Faulkner
Harold Gorringe — Jonathan Beck Reed
Role not identified — Deborah Franklin
Role not identified — Chris Whitten
Role not identified — Chip Chappelle
Role not identified — Rob Robbins
Role not identified — Kelly Morris
Role not identified — Kenny Walker
Individual assignments for Carol Melkett, Clea, Colonel Melkett, Miss Furnival, Schuppanzigh, and Georg Bamberger have not yet been confirmed.
CREW
Director — Richard Lemin
Production Notes
Production History
Presented as a special four-performance New Year’s engagement, with two performances reported on December 31, 1987, and one each on January 1 and 2, 1988. The production was associated with Oklahoma City’s downtown Opening Night celebration, organized by the Arts Council of Oklahoma City and Leadership Oklahoma City.
A Change in Holiday Tradition
Director Richard Lemin said the company was unable to prepare its customary New Year’s production of The Rocky Horror Show, prompting the choice of Black Comedy.
Staging
Peter Shaffer’s farce uses reversed lighting: the audience sees the characters clearly while they stumble through what is, for them, a blackout. Lemin described the physical demands of the production as a particular challenge for the cast.
Press Coverage
The Oklahoman published “Carpenter Square Troupe to Stage ‘Black Comedy’” on December 25, 1987.