FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2014
CONTACT: Madeline Bergman, 215-853-1032
NPSD Communication & Development Specialist
N ORTH P ENN H IGH S CHOOL T HEATRE P RESENTS
O NCE IN A L IFETIME
LANSDALE – North Penn High School Theatre is pleased to present the hilarious comedy
Once in a Lifetime by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart on November 20, 21, 22 at 7:30
PM and a Sunday matinee on November 23 at 2:00 PM. Once in a Lifetime is the first
collaboration by Kaufman and Hart, one of Broadway’s most famous play writing teams,
who went on to create seven more hits together including You Can’t Take It With You, The
Man Who Came to Dinner, and George Washington Slept Here. Once in a Lifetime began
Kaufman and Hart’s tradition of gathering quirky characters and throwing them into comic
situations – in this case the heady atmosphere of a Hollywood movie company during one
of the most fabulous decades of the 20th Century.
It’s 1927 and Al Jolson appears in the first talking motion picture sending Tinsel Town into
a frenzied search for “scenarios” that can exploit the new sound technology. Audiences
want talking pictures and by gum Hollywood is going to make them – and make them now
– no matter how bad they might be! Enter three vaudevillians who want to find fame and
fortune in the evolving movie industry. Through a series of zany coincidences, the three
entertainers convince the studio brass that they have the formula for making blockbuster
hits: Teach the silent actors how to speak. Of course, not content with their vaudevillians
and an egotistical movie executive, Kaufman and Hart also add into the plot a young
starlet (who can’t act) and her meddling stage mother; a headline-stealing gossip
columnist; a star-struck receptionist; a duo of movie divas with Brooklyn accents; inept
directors and screenwriters; and scene-stealing extras (not to mention two thousand
airplanes!). The result: This uproarious satire of the movie business with celebrity power
matched against artistic integrity – themes that still ring true today. (If the plot sounds
reminiscent of Singin’ in the Rain, well there are similarities between the shows only Once
in a Lifetime has no singin’ and no rain. But it has plenty of laughs!)
The cast of twenty-eight sophomores, juniors, and seniors is working with another group of
over forty costume, set, sound, and lighting students who are recreating the end of the
“Roarin’ Twenties”. Actors are being fitted in antique flapper costumes while the set crew
is constructing an art deco hotel lobby, a Pullman train car, and a sound stage where the
movie within Once in a Lifetime, Gingham and Orchids (and yes, it is as silly as it sounds),
is being filmed. While looking forward to sharing their work with the surrounding
communities, the students are also eagerly anticipating touring the production to Central
York High School where it will be presented on December 5 as part of the 2014
Pennsylvania State Thespian Conference. Presenting one of the five full-length Main
Stage productions at the Conference is an honor. Once in a Lifetime represents the sixth
North Penn High School Theatre production that has been presented at the Conference in
the past eight years.
Besides period costumes and sets, the company will also sell vintage 1920s movie candy
at the Refreshment Stand and is designing a program evocative of the movie trade
magazines of the era such as Variety and Backstage.
Tickets are on sale now for $10 (Adults) and $5 (Students). Gold and Silver Cards will be
honored at all performances, but must be ordered via mail or at the door. Select the best
method for you to secure the best seats! New this year is an on-line ticketing opportunity
at http://nptheater.ticketleap.com/lifetime. To avoid on-line fees, tickets can also be
purchased using ticket forms which can be downloaded from
http://www.npenn.org/domain/93, then follow the directions. Tickets will also be available
at the door. For more information, please call (215) 853-1352.
This is a Once in a Lifetime chance to experience the fun and glamour that was Hollywood
in the 1920s! Don’t miss it!
#20/14-15
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