Ghosts and Comedy Enliven Chapin Theatre’s Latest Play
LEXINGTON, SC- Spectral apparitions and laughter, two seemingly disparate elements, have combined in an unusual, yet entertaining blend in the latest Chapin Theatre Company’s production, titled “Final Appearance.”
Where Comedy Meets the Supernatural
The comedic farce, directed by acclaimed veteran actor and director, Jerry Crouch, has audiences in Lexington erupting in peals of laughter. Known for directing over 90 plays and musicals, Crouch dives into an ocean of humor and spectral antics this time, describing the play as “quick dialogue and big performances.”
Energetic Performances in Focus
The magnetic energy that fills the stage is infectious. The actors exhibit remarkable physicality, constantly in motion, creating a dynamic atmosphere. “There’s lots of animation and moving around. I played up to that manic energy,” revealed director Crouch, praising the cast’s high-energy performances.
Role of an Ensemble Cast
From the cast of seven actors, five veterans are teamed with two relative newcomers. Crouch describes each actor as “fabulous”. The play revolves around two main couples. One couple starred in a 1960s play, “Two for Dinner,” in the Poconos, New York. The narrative moves to contemporary times after the initial scene.
An Unexpected Ghostly Twist in the Plot
A twist arrives in the form of another couple, determined to keep the theatre company alive, who stumble upon a play in the attic. However, the original couple from the 60s return as ghosts, bringing about a comedy of errors. “The producer knows the original couple died in the 1960s and comes back as ghosts. The other couple is jealous,” Crouch explained.
In an interesting plot point, only Jerry, the director in the play, can see the ghost couple. Additionally, the female ghost’s jealousy of the current female lead, adds to the comedic tension. “There’s lots of comedic tension, running on and off. It’s actually very funny,” Crouch confessed.
The Grand Finale
Crouch reveals an additional comedy twist that comes in the final moment of the show. Hinting at the surprise ending, he stated, “There is a comedy twist at the end of the show, really cute…at the eleventh hour of the show.”
The Audience Response
The first showing of Chapin Theater’s “Final Appearance” had a sold-out audience, with tickets for its final showings on the brink of selling out. Clearly, the unusual concoction of comedic tension and spectral presence is drawing a massive audience, as anticipated.
Final Thoughts
It seems ghosts and comedy are making quite a splash at Chapin Theatre in Lexington. The innovative production, serving up laughs and thrills in equal measure, is an attraction you wouldn’t want to miss.
Show Information
Final Appearance is currently playing at Chapin Theatre Company, 803 Columbia Ave through March 10 with the final show scheduled for 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased from their website.
