What if you met the person you’ve been waiting for your whole life, just as a nuclear apocalypse was heading your way? Worlds collide in a tiki bar at the edge of Kauai when an aimless Silicon Valley dropout meets the bar’s brassy owner, who has a plan for all worst-case scenarios, except one… finding love. Starring C. Thomas Howell, the world premiere of Worst-Case Scenario was inspired by the real-life event which took place on the morning of January 13th, 2018 when an incoming missile alert was issued for the island of Kauai which advised residents to “seek shelter… this is not a drill.” Slated for a March 20 opening and running through April 11 at the Hudson Comedy Central Backstage Theatre, preview performances take place March 13-15.
While not all the talent is from Culver City, Darlene Conte is the playwright, Shana Betz directs, and Jacy King is the female lead actress in this world premiere production. These three local moms ( two have kids in CCUSD, and one has a toddler,) are the vision, the brains and the backbone of this unique play. Other actors include Actors’ Gang members who have performed with Tim Robbins at the Ivy Substation for many years.
Set in the wee hours of the morning, “Ethan” sits in a tiki bar with only his backpack and a secret. He has wandered the island of Kauai looking for a way out of his dilemma… that is until “Staci”, the bar’s intrepid owner, walks in. Sparks fly as they dance around their attraction for each other… after all, it’s Christmas time on an island paradise… What could possibly go wrong? An incoming missile alert propels them both into a bunker to face their darkest fears. Staci reveals a secret of her own, threatening to explode their budding romance before it even takes off. What they uncover about themselves that will determine if they have it in them to really live, should they open the hatch to second chances.
The cast also includes “Kali” (Toni Torres, of the Actors’ Gang) as the salty bartender and “Rick” (Pierre Adeli, also of The Actors’ Gang) as the island barfly.
The creative team includes Walker Babington (production design), Stephen Azua (lighting design), Mani Kham (stage manager), David Robbins (music director/sound design), Christopher Cosgrove (co-sound design), and Dorothy Crutcher (costume design).
Worst-Case Scenario runs March 20 through April 11 with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. Preview performances take place on March 13-15. Tickets are $42. The Hudson Backstage Theatre is located at 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038. For reservations and information, please visit www.worstcasescenariotheplay.com or www.onstage411.com.
Susan Gordon
At the Film Fountain @ Vets – D.M. Conte (playwright), Jacy King (lead actress), C. Thomas Howell, Shana Betz (director)
Photo Credit – Walker Babington
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