Portland Premiere
The Understudy
September 8 - October 5, 2015
Alder Stage
By Theresa Rebeck
Directed by Michael Mendelson
An understudy rehearsal for a fictional Kafka play on Broadway teeters on the edge of reality when Harry – the understudy for Jake, who is the understudy for Bruce, a Hollywood action star about to land a multimillion-dollar part – must work with the ill-fated production’s exasperated stage manager whose life he ruined long ago. The Understudy is a raucously funny existential exposé on human motivation that examines the underbelly of the theatre business and the personal drama behind the curtain.
Off-Broadway and regional theatre hit comedy from the creator of TV’s Smash
Press
“…all three (actors) are up to it, shifting and accelerating pretty much effortlessly under Michael Mendelson’s smooth and swiftly paced direction, and the evening bubbles along on a light sea of laughter, affection, and appreciation for the acting art.”
“…smart, streamlined production at Artists Repertory Theatre directed by Michael Mendelson blends raucous humor with grim yet poignant insights…”
“It feels less like watching a play and more like eavesdropping on a mashup of backstage goings-on and a late-night literary debate in a dark cafe. It’s also very funny…”
“I haven’t laughed so hard at a show since I was watching a stand-up comic perform.”
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