Is He Dead?
Inspired by the posthumous bidding war that broke out between the United States and France over Jean-Francois Millet’s painting The Angelus, Is He Dead? is about a group of poor artists who stage the death of their mentor to drive up the price of his paintings. In order for the scheme to succeed, the artists hatch various hilarious plots involving cross-dressing, a full-scale fake funeral, lovers’ deceptions, and much more.
Historical note: The play was written by Mark Twain in 1898. It was first published in print in 2003, after Mark Twain scholar Shelley Fisher Fishkin read the manuscript in the archives of the Mark Twain Papers at the University of California at Berkeley. The play was long known to scholars but never attracted much attention until Fishkin arranged to have it published in book form. She later played a primary role in getting the play produced on Broadway in 2007.
Playwright: Written by Mark Twain ; Adapted by David Ives
Licensed by: Playscripts, Inc.
Directors: Steve Ross and Kim Day
Auditions: Sunday, April 2 and Monday, April 3 at 6:00pm in the Barn Lobby
Roles: 4-6 Females, 7-12 Males.
Run Dates: May 19, 20, 26, 27 & June 2 & 3 (Friday & Saturday evenings)
May 21, 28 & June 4 (Sunday matinees)
(9 performances)
Sunday Brunch: May 28 at 12:30pm – Cost is $15.00 per person
Brunch Reservations are required by Wednesday, May 24.
Cast:
Jean-Francois Millet & Widow Daisy Tillou – Aaron Nucum
Bastien Andre – Gene Day
Marie Leroux – Ambree Bough
Agamemnon Buckner AKA “Chicago” – Charlie Cuevas
Hans Von Bismarck AKA “Dutchy” – James McDowell
Cecile Leroux – Erika Arcos
Papa Leroux – Jip Woudstra
Basil Thorpe, Claude Riviere, Charlie, King of France & Inspector Monnet – Patrick Stricklin
Madame Bathilde – Joan Givan
Madame Caron – Cindy Kelly
Phelim O’Shaughnessy – Crissy Bunch
The Sultan of Turkey – Claire Kelly
The Emperor of Russia – Samantha Wilmore
Pre-show: The Barn Theater Junior Company, directed by Dr. Mary Shaw
Production:
Lights and Sound – Charles Hickinbotham Producer – Kim Day Set Design/Construction – Dale Hansen and Kim Day Set Decoration – Ali Plaisted and Dale Hansen Costumes – Nicki Edwards and Kim Day Stage Manager – Samantha Wilmore Stage Crew – Claire Kelly Signage – Ali Plaisted
