For the City Times

Local Theatre Group hits hole in one with season opener.

Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre opens its ’16-17 season with Ken Ludwig’s The Fox on the Fairway, a show that has been called “phenomenally funny.”

Directed by WRCT veteran Gregory Konz-Krzyminski, the show harks back to the great English farces of the 1930s and 40s, pulling the rug out from underneath the stuffy denizens of a private country club.

The production will run Sept. 30 – Oct. 9, featuring Gavin Giese as Justin, Shannon Barrett as Louise, Joel Goodness as Bingham, Whitley Ciszewski as Pamela, Mike Barrett as Dickie, and Jody Steinke as Muriel.

The play opens on the eve of the annual Inter-Club Golf Championship between Quail Valley and Crouching Squirrel country clubs. This is no ordinary championship.

“Sort of like Troy versus Greece in the 8^th century B.C.,” according to Louise.

Unfortunately, Quail Valley can’t seem to win. Ever. But Club President Bingham has it in the bag this year, as he’s just recruited a crackerjack golfer to his club. Enter arch-rival Richard (Dickie) Bell, Director of Crouching Squirrel, whose shady business deals and abysmal taste in sweaters are legendary. After Bingham bets the farm (and his wife’s business) on the win, Dickie reveals he’s counter-recruited the crackerjack. That’s just the first scene.

“What could possibly go wrong with a little friendly competition between two rival golf country clubs? Not much, until there’s a tug-of-war for the same top player, threats of unemployment, and couples coupling and uncoupling all the while scrambling to secure the trophy, not to mention the side bets! Laughs abound when our talented cast of six delight you on stage while scores more enjoy the offstage tournament and outdoor banquet. I’d call it a romp!” said director Konz-Krzyminski.

Performances are Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, and Oct. 6 – 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 9 at 2:00 p.m. in the WRCT Auditorium at the Wisconsin Rapids Centralia Center located on the southeast end of the Rapids Mall.

More information can be found on the WRCT website – www.wrctheatre.org or by contacting the office at 715-421-0425. Tickets may be reserved by phone or email at wrct@wctc.net.