Century College’s Theatre Department is launching an exciting new season with “Fuddy Meers,” a dark comedy written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire. The show, performed at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center in White Bear Lake, MN, promises an engaging mix of humor, suspense, and unforgettable characters.
“Fuddy Meers” follows Claire, a woman with a rare form of amnesia who wakes up each day with no memory. Her attempts to make sense of her life lead her into a whirlwind of quirky and chaotic interactions with a cast of eccentric characters, from a man in a ski mask claiming to be her brother, to a puppet-wielding thug. The play masterfully blends comedy with suspense as it explores themes of memory and identity. The New York Times describes it as “a dark, sweet, and thoroughly engaging comedy.”
Directing “Fuddy Meers” is Paul Aberasturi, a seasoned theater professional who has been with Century College for nine years. Aberasturi is known for his commitment to enriching the college’s theater program. He founded the Transfer Pathway Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.) in Theatre, enabling students to complete their first two years of study and transfer to any university as juniors. “In addition to creating an A.F.A. in Theatre degree, I’ve designed new courses and placed a greater emphasis on the quality of our public performances,” Aberasturi said.
Throughout his career, Aberasturi has directed a variety of impactful productions, including “Clybourne Park,” “Rent,” “Tiny Beautiful Things,” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Known for selecting contemporary and edgy plays, he aims to inspire his students to develop their self-confidence, creativity, and acting skills.
“Fuddy Meers” was chosen as an ideal production for the intimate black box theater setting. Rehearsals ran from September 9 to October 31, 2024. Initially, rehearsals were held on campus, moving to the Hanifl Performing Arts Center in October to perfect the production in its final setting.
Aberasturi’s diverse cast includes both new and seasoned actors, many of whom are students enrolled in their first acting class and members from the local community. The director’s inclusive approach has made “Fuddy Meers” an enriching experience for actors of varying backgrounds. Craig, who plays the Limping Man, mentioned, “You’re not going to find this show anywhere else,” emphasizing the uniqueness of both the play and the theater’s atmosphere. Cast members have enjoyed bringing their characters to life, with Claire’s actor, Kaz Alexander, noting, “I hope the audience reads between the lines,” hinting at the layers of meaning woven into the show.
Other cast members have drawn inspiration from personal experiences to inform their performances. Niklas Peterson, portraying Gertie, commented, “I channel my own grandma. She was a sassy woman,” which has helped him bring authenticity and humor to the role. Gunnar Schachtner, playing Richard, shared, “I channel the episode of ‘The Simpsons’ where Ned Flanders goes insane,” providing his character with an eccentric edge that adds to the show’s dark comedy. Meanwhile, Jamie Rei collaborated closely with the director to incorporate dynamic fight scenes, bringing another layer of intensity to the production.
This play’s small, intimate space allows for a collaborative and hands-on approach to set design, lighting, and sound. Every detail, from the props to the lighting cues, is thoughtfully chosen to bring Claire’s surreal world to life. The technical team uses sound and light to emphasize pivotal moments, creating an immersive experience that complements the cast’s energetic performances.
Don’t miss out on a truly unique theater experience. With its unique blend of dark humor, physical comedy, and poignant moments, “Fuddy Meers” offers a rare theater experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re a long-time theater fan or a newcomer, this production promises to deliver an evening of laughter, surprise, and heart. “This theater is the best-kept secret,” said Craig, the Limping Man, and the sentiment is echoed by the entire cast, who hope audiences leave with a new appreciation for theater’s ability to entertain and enlighten.
Tickets are available at www.lakeshoreplayers.org. Reserve your seats now and get ready to embark on a funhouse ride of comedy and chaos with “Fuddy Meers!”
