On Friday night at the Bliss Center, the Belize Theatre Company is premiering a new play. We visited dress rehearsals last night and found out when missing money can actually be funny.
Jules Vasquez Reporting,
It's called funny money, and as the name suggests there's plenty money and plenty to laugh at. Edita Pariente is the director.
Edita Pariente, Director
"We chose to do this play because it has a lot of challenging parts in it but the writing is witty."
And that wit gives veteran actor Michael Coye room to try new things as the
braggart Vic Johnson.
Michael Coye, Actor - 'Vic'
"The comedy is very quick, its very witty, and it involves a lot of physical comedy which is more than we had anticipated. We knew what type of play were getting into but we had no idea how much work it would have been but this is good fun. We're enjoying it."
And the cast predicts that audiences will enjoy it too.
Chris Babb, Actor - 'Henry'
"I think anybody who is looking for a bunch of laughs should come out because this play is funny. There is just funny lines all the way through it. The writing is just really really really funny and sometimes we have trouble getting through it because we're laughing so much."
And much of the laughs center on a briefcase stuffed with $1.7 million. But which briefcase is it? There are three identical ones and the one in this scene, definitely isn't the right one.
[Clip from play]
And the kicks come when the characters Vic Johnson and Henry Perkins try to get it back, as in this bait and switch.
[Clip from Play]
Of course that's not the end of the suitcase - and the pursuit of the right one takes the comedic farce through countless twists and turns, and even into what appears to be a dead end.
[Clip from Play]
Leading the action with a frenetic stage presence is first time leading man Chris Babb. He's an American volunteer who discovered a love for acting in Belize.
Chris Babb,
"It is hilarious, its great to get into the character Henry Perkins
and to think about having all this money and trying to get away with it and just leave and I run into all these obstacles and I just can't seem to get it."
And until they do, their hapless but manic pursuit of the magical $1.7 million gives ample fuel to this comedic farce which threads on a recognizable theme of instant wealth.
Edita Pariente,
"Just the thought of finding $1.7 million is boggling, that's everybody's wish."
The play runs from Friday through to Sunday. It is a play by Ray Cooney who also wrote, 'run for your wife.'
