Production involves 'Amorous' diplomacy

Playing a stiff-upper-lip English butler isn't much of an act for Phil Finn.

The Aiken transplant, originally from Great Britain, said he knows a thing or two about taking orders, having served in the Royal Air Force.

"Being a servant is nothing new," said Mr. Finn, who plays the butler Perkins in The Amorous Ambassador, which opens Friday at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts.

The Aiken Community Playhouse's final play of the season is a farce true to British form, although it was written by an American, Michael Parker.

"When I read the play, I thought it was written by a Brit. It was so funny," said Mr. Finn. "It is typical of farces by Brian Rix in the West End of London."

The play is about an American ambassador, his wife and daughter, and their supposedly innocent plans for a weekend away from their London home.

In reality, the ambassador plans a rendezvous with his next-door neighbor, and the daughter, who is in her 20s plots a romantic weekend with her boyfriend.

Their plans come unhinged when a bomb threat closes the embassy and forces the staff to set up shop at the ambassador's home.

Slapstick comedy, cases of mistaken identity and lots of opening and closing doors add to the play's humor, according to director Bob Franklin.

"The show requires a lot of timing. It's very well-written. The lines are quite funny," Mr. Finn said.

As a show of appreciation, Aiken Community Playhouse members will not be charged admission. Mr. Franklin said the cast and stage crew are working hard to make the comedy a treat for audiences.

"It's the last show of the old season. We hope to make it a funny one and a special one," he said.

The show will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Aug. 26-27 and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors 60 and older, $10 for students and $6 for children under 12.

Reservations are available by calling 648-1438. For more information, visit www.aikencommunityplayhouse.com.

Reach Charmain Z. Brackett at czbrackett@hotmail.com.

If You Go

What: Aiken Community Playhouse production of The Amorous Ambassador

When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, and 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Aug. 26-27

Where: Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 126 Newberry St., Aiken

Cost: $15 for adults: $13 for 60 and older; $10 for students: and $6 for 12 and younger

Phone: 648-1438