Delta Drama’s Spring production will be the Hollywood spoof “Epic Proportions.”
The comedy, which follows brothers Benny and Phil as they work in a 1930s Hollywood production, is inspired by the Biblical epics made in what is considered Hollywood’s “Golden Age.” Those movies, while cultural and financial juggernauts in their time period, are no longer as popular or as acclaimed.
“Epic Proportions” challenge is to appeal to a contemporary audience while still being a parody of those old movies.
“The fun is in immersing the audience in this Old Hollywood setting,” said Greg Foro, Professor of Drama and director of the play. “The difficult part is making the play feel authentic to the time period.”
Foro credits costume designers Johnathan Singer and Jennifer Johnson with making the play feel as authentic as possible. The immersion will begin even before the curtains go up, as the entrance to the Tillie Lewis Theatre will be decorated like an Old Hollywood movie set.
When it comes to the comedy, the cast and crew are not too worried about alienating people with the time period.
“The costuming is what really helps set the play in Old Hollywood,” said Jon-Michael Porter, who plays Phil. “But good humor translates well to a modern audience.”
The play premiered in 1986, but the cast thinks the play written by Larry Coen and David Crane, one of whom has written for the show Friends, will hold up.
“There’s jokes about the film industry, a lot of wacky antics, a love triangle,” said Foro. “These are all gags that a modern audience is familiar with, so it really won’t be that alienating.”
But with the slapstick style of comedy, careful planning and directing is necessary to deliver the humor.
“In this production, everything has to be calculated,” said Codey Court, who portrays Benny. “Comedic timing is extremely important, unlike drama, which gives you a bit more room to breathe.”
The other challenge the two main actors face is portraying two different characters in the play.
“The characters are actors,” said Court. “So we are acting as actors.”
The actors have been taught to stick to the core of their characters.
“The job of the character is to be an actor,” said Porter. “But at their core, they are brothers, and that relationship remains even when they are acting.”
“Epic Proportions” stands out from the rest of the productions put on this season due to its sheer scale.
“It’s a very elaborate production with a large ensemble,” said Foro. “It’s like being a conductor; you’re thinking of managing all the actors and crew before even getting into the thick of the action.”
The actors also have to stand out against all the hustle of the ensemble. “It’s important to be engaged, because it can be so easy to lose focus,” said Porter. “But it’s definitely a tiring show.”
“Epic Proportions” will run April 28, 29, May 5 and 6 starting at 7 p.m. and April 30 and May 7 starting at 2 p.m.