Del Mar Drama bringing the laughs in November with popular comedy, “Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies,” in Finley Theatre
Article by Richard Guerrero, Jr. You might say the original production of “Ken Ludwign’s Leading Ladies” was a pre-cursor to movies like “Tootsie” and “Mrs. Doubtfire” and even the television sitcom “Bosom Buddies.” Featuring a large cast of nine actors, the production is a fast-paced farcical comedy about two down-on-their luck actors who disguise themselves as long-lost nieces of a dying woman to inherit a fortune only to find themselves in over their heads. Del Mar Drama with Del Mar College’s Art & Drama Department will pull out all the stops in November with their production of “Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies” in the Sue Sellors Finley Theatre in the Fine Arts Center on the Heritage Campus (101 Baldwin Blvd., 78404, directions and campus map). The two-weekend run will provide no less than six opportunities to see program’s fall production. Written by award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig (“Lend Me a Tenor” and “Moon Over Buffalo”), ‘Leading Ladies’ is a riotous comedy that blends Shakespearean farce with screwball charm via a series of outrageous disguises, romantic mix-ups and laugh-out-loud situations. “Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. Audiences are advised the production contains mature content. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. each evening, including Nov. 7-8 (Friday-Saturday) and Nov. 13-15 (Thursday-Saturday) with a 2 p.m. matinee on Nov. 13. The Nov. 7 opening includes a post-show reception with cash bar and catering by Citrus with a cash bar only Nov. 14 and 15. “Student Night” is scheduled Nov. 13 with free admission for all area students with valid school I.D. The Drama Program will host an inaugural Drama Alumni Reunion on Nov. 8, inviting former students to attend and reconnect during a special VIP pre-show reception. “This is our first alumni event, although former students frequently attend shows,” Yowell noted. “We’ve sent out emails and have published posts on social media, and we’re asking former students to spread the word.” Cost to attend “Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies” is $15 general admission; $10 for seniors, military and DMC employees; and $5 for students, and tickets are now available online at delmardrama.ludus.com/200497747. Tickets are also available at the Box Office, which opens at 6:30 p.m. prior to each performance. Proceeds benefit future Del Mar Drama activities and student events. Questions? Contact the Drama Office at 361-698-1216 or drama@delmar.edu. Del Mar Drama majors will perform the principal roles and include Natalie Palacios (Meg), Grant Sykora (Duncan), Giovanni Rodriguez (Doc), Brennen Bellows (Leo), Miguel Cerda (Jack), Logan Barraza (Moose Frank), Aryanna Flores (Audrey), Aiden Berglund (Butch) and Grayson Norval (Florence). Additionally, behind the scenes, 30 students are contributing to set and costume construction, along with another 18 students serving as the backstage running crew during performances. If you’re looking for a few laughs before the holiday season truly starts, Del Mar Drama has the solution. Get your tickets now for “Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies” and expect to have a side-splitting good time!
