Lincoln Academy Drama and Heartwood Regional Theater continue a collaboration which is more than a decade in the making. “One Man, Two Guvnors,” by Richard Bean, is an English adaptation of “Servant of Two Masters” by Venetian playwright Carlo Goldoni. The comedy is a British Farce in the commedia dell'arte style of comedy.

Playgoers will recognize the many situations of British comedies and sitcoms in the play, including mistaken identities, physical comedy, stock characters and a fast paced story complicated by wacky characters. “One Man” also features a good deal of music written by Grant Olding specifically for the original production at London's National Theater in 2011.

The play is set in 1963 Brighton, at the advent of a pop revolution that created a new wave of art, fashion, and music first know as “Skiffle.” Skiffle was the early incarnation of a sound made famous by a youthful British quartet known first as the “Quarrymen” and then as The “Beatles.”

With this year's decision to stage a major comedy, Director Griff Braley chose a play with a strong historical and literary tradition, but a modern twist. Braley planned several weeks of teaching around the commedia topics necessary to bring the play to life in its intended style.

“These are characters we all know, but characters that we never tire of experiencing on the stage,” said Braley. “The craft of commedia dell'arte has a unique and incredible history, and our students had to go after learning those styles in the way that they might learn to read music or carry off dance choreography. The work is demanding in all ways, intellectual, physical and emotional. It's a great challenge, and our audiences will be pleased with the quality of craftsmanship that these kids have developed.”

Additional challenges include putting together the four man band of the period, known as “The Craze” in the play. LA Junior, Noah Jones, took on the task of leading the band at the beginning of the summer and came to school with fifteen songs learned, looking for band members. After trying out a number of students, the band formed with Gabby Kimball (percussion), David Oh (electric guitar) and Lucas Steinberger (bass). With Jones on lead vocals, the group also features a female trio made up of Noelle Timberlake, Phoebe Pugh and Genevieve Taylor. Cast members also step in for some transitional numbers. 

The band plays a warm up set before each of the two acts, giving an upbeat energy to the show, even before the action begins. Bristol School music teacher, Wade Johnston, himself a professional guitar player, began working in late September, to get the band together.

The high school cast of “One Man, Two Guvnors” includes students from all grades and a number of towns. Led by senior Sam Bailey as Francis (the One Man of the title), the ensemble includes Nicholas Miaoulis, Jonah Daiute, Gabe Ferrero, Caleb Eugley, Channing Nelson, Toru Fiberesima, Harrison Ransley, Matt Wilson, Sam Ransley, Addison Vermilion, Thalia Eddyblouin, Chloe Gluchanicz, Johanna Neeson and Shiann Keene.

On the production side, students are responsible for nearly all aspects of technical work, including set building by Ryan Kohnert, Miles Jackson, Julianna Preston, Levi McAtee, Nick Mercer, John Henry Eddyblouin, Alyssa Corvette and Meghan Rittall. Each performance will be student led by stage manager Ryan Kohnert, joined by costume assistant Danielia Riddell, light operator Dean Liu and sound operator Miles Jackson.

Griff Braley designed and directs the show, with help from new Heartwood production assistant, Jaclyn Buck. Well known stage combat choreographer Mark Bedell, who assisted in the staging of "Macbeth" and "Cyrano" at Heartwood, will assist with teaching and coaching the slapstick elements of the show.

Performance dates are Oct. 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 1, matinee 3 p.m., and Nov. 5-7 at 7:30 p.m.

Reservations are strongly recommended by emailing Heartwood at info@heartwoodtheater.org or phoning 207-563-1373 (please do not contact Lincoln Academy for tickets).  Student tickets are $8, all adults are $16. 

Seating is unreserved, unless specifically requested in advance.  For more details visit www.heartwoodtheater.org.