Encore Productions’ third show of the 2023 season, “Artifice,” will debut on The Elbert Theatre stage Friday, Aug. 25 through Sunday, Aug. 27.
The farce, written by Anne Flanagan, will continue with a second weekend Friday, Sept. 1 through Sunday, Sept. 3.
“Struggling artist Payne Showers finally gets his big break. He dies. Fortunately, Payne’s death greatly inflates the value of his work. Unfortunately, his estranged wife, Maggie, must sell it all to avoid bankruptcy,” Elbert Theatre Manager Toni King said in a snyopsis of the show. “Just days before the auction, Maggie and her high-strung gallery manager, Richard, host a private showing. The guests of honor are influential and fabulously rich. To Maggie’s delight, she sells dozens of paintings. Not only will the sale rescue her financially, but the resulting publicity will put Maggie’s gallery on the map! At this point, the only thing that could go wrong would be if Payne Showers were to walk through the door…then Payne Showers walks through the door! Directed by Michael Weis, Artifice is a great way to spend your Labor Day laughing!”
The cast includes Shirley Dillard as “Mick Fitzgerald,” Amanda Gaines as “Judith Fontaine,” Walt Gaines as “Trent Matlock,” Justin Mithchell as “Richard,” Robert Roach as “Payne Stowers,” Sonja Thompson as “Graciela,” Adrianna Watson as “Emma” and Jennifer White as “Maggie Larue.”
Joining Weis on the directoral team is Rebekah Brooks, who serves as the assistant director. Emily Word is serving as stage manager.
Performances will be be held at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. Sundays at The Elbert Theatre, located at 100 S. Oliver St.
Tickets are $11 in advance, $9 for students/groups and $16 at the door.
“The show is rated PG-13 and may not be appropriate for small children,” King said.
Tickets may be purchased by calling The Elbert Theatre Box Office at 706-283-1049, emailing tking@cityofelberton.net or online at bigtickets.com/events/elbert-theatre/.