Laughs galore promised at DDHS ‘Thieves’ Carnival’ show

See why right now is a great time to get tickets for a comical play coming to the David Douglas High stage starting March 2nd …

(Standing) Kylie Youngblood (playing Juliet), Rene Olson (Eva), Karsten Montgomery (Lord Egard), and Gabby Luther (Lady Hearth) are praying for divine knowledge about whether or not to believe their “visitors” — (kneeling) London Bauman-Loughran (as Peterbono), Pablo Iniguez (Hector), and Ian Booth (Gustov) – are true suitors or thieves!

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Jean Anouilh’s 1938 comical farce entitled Le Bal des Voleurs may not ring a bell – but, it was a hit back then, when it opened at the Théâtre des Arts in Paris.

However, you won’t need a French/English dictionary or subtitles to enjoy the English language version of this madcap comedy, coming to the David Douglas High School Horner Performing Arts Center Stage on March 2 – Thieves’ Carnival.

Student actor Josh Lamarr (he plays an addled policeman) gets suggestions about staging a scene from DDHS theater instructor and production director, Judy LeCoq.

Taking a break from directing the student thespians preparing for the show, Theater Arts instructor Judy LeCoq told East Portland News that audiences of all ages will enjoy this comedy – loaded with humorous whims, romance, and masquerades.

About the story
The scene is in the 1920’s, at a resort in France, where two very wealthy girls reside with their guardian aunt.

The aunt, bored with her life, invites three affectionate thieves into her home to counter her boring friend and also pushy fortune hunters.

Ensemble players Rebecca Daigle, Mikey Tippery, and Madison Eagar help Josh Lamarr mistakenly apprehend Hunter McAndrew (Duncan Douglas-Donwald) – thinking he’s a thief.

A lovely romance blooms instantly between one of the girls and the youngest thief – and that’s when questions of love versus duty, honor versus greed, and men versus women, unfold in this entertaining play.

LaCoq said that Thieves’ Carnival, set in the 1920s, is brought to life by a cast of 18 students actors, backed up by a technical stage crew of 12, plus two students assisting her in the costume shop.

“We’re establishing a party atmosphere that reflects the changing needs of the wealthy at that time. And, the music in the show reflects the time period of jazz music as well as classical themes from Wagner, Gilbert and Sullivan, and Edvard Grieg.”

Stagecraft instructor and theater manager Mike Taylor works in the theater shop with members of the Advanced Technical Services class, to construct what will become another colorful set.

Thieves’ Carnival opens March 2
You can be in the audience when the curtain rises on the Thieves’ Carnival on March 2^nd at 7:30 p.m.

Thieves’ Carnival runs two weekends: March 2 and 3, and then again on March 8, 9, and 10.

Tickets are still only $7 for adults; $5 for students and seniors. These productions usually sell out, so don’t delay calling the Box Office (open Monday, Wednesday and Friday) from 3 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at (503) 261-8270.

Even easier: Reserve tickets online: CLICK HERE. Then, compete the online form and send a check as directed. If your order is paid, they’ll hold your tickets until show night.

Thieves’ Carnival plays on the main stage at the Horner Performing Arts Center at David Douglas High School, 1400 SE 130th Avenue, between SE Division and Stark Street.

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