By Paul Slade Smith
Directed by Robert May
May 23rd – June 15th, 2025
Preview Performance: Friday, May 23rd at 7:30pm
Opening Night Saturday, May 24th at 7:30pm
April 28th, 2025, San Diego
Scripps Ranch Theatre continues their Season 45 with Unnecessary Farce, written by Paul Slade
Smith. Directed by Robert May, the production runs May 23rd – June 15th on the campus of Alliant
International University. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm.
There is a preview performance on Friday May 23rd at 7:30pm and then Press Opening is Saturday,
May 24th at 7:30pm. Patrons can purchase Tickets online at
https://scrippsranchtheatre.org/showtickets/ or contact SRT Patron Services at 858-395-0573.
Synopsis: From the playwright who gave us The Outsider (one of SRT audience favorites from 2022)
comes a rollicking farce. Two cops, three crooks, eight doors – GO! Questions abound: Who is in
which room? Who is being videotaped? Who has taken the money? Who has hired a hitman? And
why does the accountant keep taking off her clothes?
This hysterical cast features eight San Diego performers. Doors are slamming left and right with Danny
Lovelle, Melanie Mino, Brittany Adriana Carrillo, Kat Fitzpatrick, Danny Campbell, Nick Siljander and
Robin Thompson.
Director Robert May shared “I’m a big fan of Paul Slade Smith’s work, having performed in another
one of his plays, The Outsider, at Scripps Ranch Theatre a few seasons back. He is a master of farce –
creating fast paced improbable and hysterical situations. This holds true for Unnecessary Farce which
features side by side motel rooms – one with a supposedly crooked mayor meeting up with his new
female accountant, while next door two incompetent undercover police officers are waiting to catch
the meeting on videotape. Add in a number of slamming doors and hidden bodies – and it is impossible
to keep a straight face! Performing farce well takes impeccable timing, both verbal and physical – and
this cast possesses an incredible combination of both. I’m looking forward to sharing the laughter with
the community.”
Director Robert May’s’ talented production team includes the following
Stage Manager Charmaine Reed Assistant Stage Manager Jayme Rubenstein
Producer Ruth Russell Set Design Dennis Floyd
Set Construction John Spafford Set Construction John Owen
Props Design/Set Dressing Duane McGregor Scenic Painting Duane McGregor
Lighting Design Cynthia Bloodgood Sound Design Hayden St Clair
Costume Design Marcene Drysdale Intimacy Director D. Candis Paule
Fight Coordinator Chris Williams
Robert May (Director) Select Directing Credits: Flemming – An American Thriller, The Heir Apparent,
The Liar, Almost, Maine, Rounding Third, Painting Churches, I’m Not Rappaport, the Patté
Award-winning A Prayer For My Daughter, the Billie Award-winning Pinter duo Ashes to Ashes and
The Lover, the critically acclaimed An Experiment with an Air Pump, The Misanthrope, and multiple
shows in the Fritz Blitz festivals. Robert founded two programs at Scripps Ranch Theatre that focused
on new plays: Out on a Limb: New Plays from America’s Finest City, and New Works Studio. Robert is
also an actor and sound designer. IG: @robertmay747
Photo Credit Ken Jacques
Scripps Ranch Theatre is located on the campus of Alliant International University. Performances run
from May 23 – June 15th on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Patrons can
purchase Tickets online at www.scrippsranchtheatre.org or call 858-395-0573.
About Scripps Ranch Theatre
Scripps Ranch Theatre (SRT) is a professional theatre company located on the campus of Alliant
International University and is celebrating its 45th Season. Helmed by Artistic Director, Jill Drexler,
Scripps Ranch Theatre produces a mainstage season in their intimate 118 seat space. SRT strives to
share stories that engage the heart and mind. To learn more, visit www.scrippsranchtheatre.org
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