Epic Proportions
Larry Coen and David Crane
Opening Date:
November 25, 2005
Closing Date:
December 17, 2005
During the Great Depression, two brothers find themselves working as extras on a colossal biblical movie in the Arizona desert. As sword fights, plagues, and crowd scenes spiral into chaos, both brothers compete for the affections of assistant director Louise Goldman—and unexpectedly climb Hollywood’s ladder. Michael Payne directed this madcap, old-Hollywood farce.
Cast & Crew
Narrator / D.W. DeWitt — Michael Gibbons
Louise Goldman — Suzanne Proctor
Benny Bennett — Patton Graves
Phil Bennett — Rodney Brazil
Ensemble — Gilbert Lopez, David Mays, Amanda Mimms, Jordan Weeks
CREW
Director — Michael Payne
Set / Lighting / Sound Design — Steven Gillmore
Costume Design — Corey Martin
Stage Manager / Sound Technician — Christi Newbury
Stage Combat Consultant — Shane McClure
Light Technician — Farah Shaukat
Scenic Painting — Rhonda Clark, Rodney Brazil, David Mays, Michael Payne, Jordan Weeks
Properties — Rhonda Clark, Christi Newbury
Dressers — Vicky Zipf, Michelle Swink
Website Photography — Rhonda Clark
Poster Design — Jeni White
Production Notes
Production History
Oklahoma premiere of Larry Coen and David Crane’s Epic Proportions, presented as an alternative holiday comedy at Stage Center’s Arena Theater. Directed by Michael Payne.
Production Details
Set during the filming of the fictional biblical epic Exeunt Omnes (“Everybody Out”), the comedy follows brothers Benny and Phil Bennett as they become entangled in an increasingly chaotic production employing more than 3,400 extras. Coen and Crane, a co-creator of Friends, developed the idea at Brandeis University after wondering about the story behind an anonymous movie extra crushed by a falling column.
CST Connections
Michael Payne previously directed Don’t Dress for Dinner. Michael Gibbons, Suzanne Proctor, and Rodney Brazil also appeared in that production, with Brazil contributing to scenic painting. Michelle Swink returned as a dresser after working backstage on Diva.
Content Advisory
Rated PG.
Press Coverage
Larry Laneer’s review, “Carpenter Square Opens Comedy of ‘Epic Proportions’,” appeared in The Oklahoman on December 2, 2005.
Cast Sponsors
Larry and Leah Westmoreland.
Opening-night Party Sponsor
Trattoria Il Centro.
Special Thanks
Classen School of Advanced Studies Theatre Department; Robert Matson; Dean Gillmore.
Institutional Support
Oklahoma Arts Council project assistance grant. CST was an Allied Arts member agency, and the production was a Star Card event.
Licensing
Licensed through Dramatic Publishing Company.