The Red Barn Summer Theatre premiere of “The Lone Star Love Potion” by Michael Parker kicks off tonight, June 26 and extends through July 7 with a plethora of zany characters, misdirects and comedic timing destined to entertain audiences.
“The Lone Star Love Potion” will premiere tonight, June 26 at 7:30 p.m. with shows continuing through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. The show continues next week, excluding July 4, beginning Wednesday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m. through Saturday with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee to close the second show of the summer season.
With a cast of zany characters, a love potion and devious deeds, the performance takes ahold of the audiences’ attention throughout the acts as audience members debate whether the love potion holds a mystical power or whether every action is calculated. Director Michael Taylor commented on the premise of the show that sets off immediately as the curtain rises.
“A gentleman has passed away, and his niece has come to collect the will with her family, and they of course want everything, but then you find out the butler is also hoping to get in on the action,” Taylor said. “Once they all get there, they try to manipulate each other out of their shares of the will.”
Taylor expressed his enthusiasm for the show, stating that the selection for the performance was an easy process as he delved into the farce and comedic opportunities that the script provided the cast alongside the new experiences that would be presented to audiences with the set and atmosphere.
“As soon as I read it, it was funny,” Taylor said. “The biggest challenge of it was the set. Originally, it’s a two-story set that we’ve turned into one or at least a step up. I love the characters. I love shows like this. I love fast-paced shows. I love shows where there’s a lot of in-and-out of doors and mistaken identity. I love a show, especially at the Barn, where audiences can shut their minds off and enjoy.”
Taylor joins “Keep the Change” Director Luke McLaughlin on the stage for “The Lone Star Love Potion,” marking the duo’s first time sharing the spotlight in around six years as one member of the pair typically directs the show while the other performs. Taylor expressed that while the process has been difficult as both members are performing, the payoff of two seasoned performers characterizing their portrayals is destined to provide audiences a wealth of entertainment.
“The first time we did it was six or seven years ago,” Taylor said. “It’s just hard. We’re feeling it in this show how hard it really is, so it’ll probably be another six years before we’re on stage together, but it’s been fun.”
Taylor encouraged all community members to experience the Red Barn Summer Theatre during the 2024 summer season as a means of entertaining themselves following a busy work week with a comedic show that promises to provide laughter and fun for the entire family.
“It’s an easy night on the brain after a hard day of working or being out in the hot sun,” Taylor said. “You just get to come in here and just hang out with your family and your friends and just be entertained.”
“The Lone Star Love Potion” will premiere tonight, June 26 at 7:30 p.m. with shows continuing through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. The show continues next week, excluding July 4, beginning Wednesday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m. through Saturday with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee to close the second show of the summer season.
Tickets may be purchased online at redbarntheatre.net, by calling the box office at 765-659-1657 or at the door before the show for $25, or $15 for students.
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