Theatre/Schmeatre …

Over Our Head Players will present Theatre/Schmeatre, original sketch comedy, beginning May 15. These original sketches will be performed at Sixth Street Theatre, Downtown Racine, on Fridays and Saturdays only, May 15 – June 6. Reservations are available through the box office, (262)632-6802. Tickets are $15.00.

Theatre/Schmeatre is a multi-media evening of short, unrelated original scripted comedies written by Over Our Head Players. In the tradition of Second City, OOHPs’ sketches promise lots of silliness and satire. Some sketches will definitely be topical, with a few local references, as well. Although sketch comedy by definition uses a minimum of technical elements, the theatre will be filled with laughs and surprises. No two performances of Theatre/Schmeatre will be the same. Every show will also feature live performances by some of the area’s finest musicians. Over Our Head Players is known for its commitment to original comedy, and the popularity of the Snowdance Festival between-show hijinx suggests that Theatre/Schmeatre is going to be a very hot ticket.

Artistic Director Rich Smith, who also leads the writing team, says “Theatre/Schmeatre brings sketch comedy to Racine, filling a real audience desire for this type of theatre. Last year, Theatre/Schmeatre was an instant hit; we’re bringing it back by popular demand and have even added a second show in Fridays. Sketch comedy also gives our volunteers a chance to stretch their writing skills and adds a new dimension of creativity for the actors.” Smith adds, “One of the most popular aspects of Theatre/Schmeatre is the music. We are very lucky to have some great musicians joining us.”

In a style homage to Saturday Night Live, each Theatre/Schmeatre performance will include live music from some of the area’s finest musicians. Scheduled acts include Lyden Moon, Ron Weller and Night Wing, The Saturday Night Preachers, Mark Harrod, Will Phalen and the Stereo Addicts, Zachary Scot Johnson, Billy Orphan, and David Tomaloff.

The Theatre/Schmeatre acting ensemble features John Adams, Barbara Akey, Michael Becker, Teri Christensen, Chris Clausen, Patti Fitchett, Brandy Harrell, Jenny Kostreva, Ron Schulz, Ray Setzer, Jesse Silva, and Rich Smith. The production staff also includes Chad Heinzelman, Joseph Piirto, Emily Breiwick, Brianna Andrews, Claudia Bruce, and Jerry Horton.
Theatre/Schmeatre runs weekends May 15, 16; 22, 23; 29, 30; and June 5, 6. Performances are Fridays at 8:00 and 10:30 and Saturdays at 5:30 and 8:00. Tickets are $15.00. For reservations, please call the box office, (262)632-6802. Performances are at the Sixth Street Theatre, 318 Sixth Street, Racine. Advance reservations are recommended.
Theatre/Schmeatre is sponsored by Ivanhoe Pub and Eatery.

Over Our Head Players is a non-profit organization of volunteer talent; they operate the Sixth Street Theatre in Downtown Racine. Their 18th season opens in July with Three Days of Rain. The season will include Rabbit Hole, Leaving Iowa, the 2010 Snowdance 10-Minute Comedy Competition, The Beauty Queen of Leenane, and the third Theatre/Schmeatre.