A play so Fuddy it hurts

‘Fuddy Meers’ hits the stage in Newport

Photos by Chris Graamans

Hold on to your seat and prepare to laugh out loud when David Lindsay-Abaire’s bewitchingly absurd dark comedy, “Fuddy Meers,” opens at the Newport Performing Arts Center this Friday, Oct. 14.

The stage begins dark and mostly empty…much like the brain of the lead character. Claire’s rare form of amnesia causes her to forget the events of each day when she falls asleep, leaving her with a deliciously blank slate every morning.

“Claire’s loss is our gain,” Director Cody Larsen said, “giving us the highly entertaining opportunity to discover who she is, moment by moment, right along with her.” 

“It’s a rollercoaster ride of a show,” said Darcy Lawrence, board member of the Red Octopus Theatre Company, which is putting on the play. “At first blush it appears to be a farce, but throughout the evening a darker underbelly is revealed. As each beautifully odd character is introduced, the cacophony of chaos grows — leading to an ending you won’t see coming. It’s definitely not your run-of-the-mill comedy. This show has bite.”

The fully-staged production features an all-star cast of local talent, including Caity Showalter, Scott Ganyo, Annie Pusey, Alex Herd, Gary Herd and Mandy Carter.

“It definitely keeps you guessing,” Larsen said. “Where you end up is not at all where you started — and that is exactly what I love about it.”

“Fuddy Meers” begins at 7 pm Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 30, and on Thursday, Oct. 27, with two Sunday matinées at 2 pm on Oct. 23 and 30. Tickets are $24 general admission and $22 for seniors and OCCA members. The play is recommended for audiences older than age 15.

The Newport Performing Arts Center is located at 777 W Olive Street.

For ticketing information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-ARTS.

On Thursday, Oct. 27, all tickets are $15 with two food donations for Food Share of Lincoln County, when purchased in person at the box office. No glass jars or expired products, please.