Community Players kick off 2015 with Larry Gelbart’s comedy ’Sly Fox’

Posted 1/15/15

The Community Players, Rhode Island’s oldest community theatre, presents Larry Gelbart’s hilarious comedy “Sly Fox” onstage January 16-18. Taking inspiration from Ben Johnson’s …

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Community Players kick off 2015 with Larry Gelbart’s comedy ’Sly Fox’

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The Community Players, Rhode Island’s oldest community theatre, presents Larry Gelbart’s hilarious comedy “Sly Fox” onstage January 16-18. Taking inspiration from Ben Johnson’s “Volpone,” the play is a riotous romp about greed, lust and the art of the con from the author of M*A*S*H, Tootsie and Oh, God.

Set against the backdrop of the San Francisco Gold Rush, the “fox” of the title is scheming miser Foxwell J. Sly, who is ruthless in his plans to swindle the town’s three richest men: slick lawyer Craven, the elderly Jethro Croutch and the anxiety-riddled Abner Truckle. Aided by his servant Simon Able, the clever Sly pretends to be on his deathbed, repeatedly promising each man that they will be named his sole heir. The play rises to comedic heights as the trio – and practically everyone in town – attempt to outdo each other to ensure that they acquire Sly’s fortune for themselves.

“Sly Fox,” written by Larry Gelbart and directed by Erika Koch, runs through Sunday, January 18. Performances are 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. at Jenks Auditorium (across from McCoy Stadium). Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students (with a valid student ID) and may be purchased at the door, online at www.thecommunityplayers.org or reserved by phone at 726-6860.

Warwick resident Erika Koch directs the 14-person cast, which includes Eric Barbato of Providence, Laura Benjamin of Cumberland, Marilyn Busch of Greenville, Tom DiMaggio of Cranston, Bob Goodwin of Bristol, Jill C. Gould of Lincoln, Rick Koster of Cranston, James Lyons of Warwick, Michael Maio of Seekonk, Mass., Ron Martin of Warwick, John McLacken of East Providence, Brian Mulvey of Warwick, Kimberly Simone of Attleboro, Mass. and Geoff White of Pawtucket.

Now celebrating their 94th season, The Community Players stand today as the oldest community theater group in Rhode Island. Founded in 1920, The Community Players’ constitution is dedicated to produce plays that “carry the torch of culture to the Blackstone Valley and enrich community life by presenting locally the best that theatre had to offer.” The Players perform a mix of comedies, dramas and musicals and is committed to an “open-door” membership policy. The group’s member performers, directors, producers, designers and audiences come from all walks of life, all united by a shared love of live theatre.

The 2014-2015 Season continues April 10-26, 2015 with the classic “Guys and Dolls,” music by Frank Loesser, book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows and John Patrick Shanley’s drama “Doubt,” playing July 10-19. All shows are performed in the Jenks Auditorium, 350 Division St., Pawtucket. For more information visit www.thecommunityplayers.org or call 726-6860.

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