Theatre of Dare Announces Free Preview of Comedy ‘Lying in State’

Posted By Matt Artz on October 13, 2016

They say that laughter is the best medicine, and right now, the Outer Banks could use a healthy dose of it, Theatre of Dare has decided to contribute to Hurricane Matthew recovery in their own way: through comedy.

On Thursday, October 13, the local theatre troupe is opening the doors for a free public preview performance of Lying In State, a hilarious political satire that is opening Theatre of Dare’s 26th season.

“As performers, we’re not very good at clearing roads or restoring power,” said T.O.D. president Don Bridge. “But we hope to get people’s minds off the hurricane for at least couple of hours, and let them enjoy a nice, fun, stress-free evening out.”

The show, written by longtime Washington lobbyist David C. Hyer, takes place in the parlor of a funeral home after an egotistical state senator is killed in what is believed to be a heroic act of self-defense. With the late senator’s popularity skyrocketing, his frantic campaign manager (Don Bridge) begins a mad scramble to name a replacement.

Among the candidates are the senator’s ex-wife Edna (Kat Morgan), his semi-official fiancée and self-described “semi-exotic dancer” Buttons (Betsy Head), his tipsy brother Harry (Chuck Beatty), and the senator’s compliant aide Wally (Jonathan Varillas). Rounding out the cast is the governor (Stuart Parks II) and a loopy visitor with a large bag of prescription medicine (Janet Bryant).

“It’s a tremendously funny show,” said co-director Terry Snead. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to fill the auditorium with laughter and give the community some much-needed comic relief.”

The special free preview of Lying In State, co-directed by Lost Colony alumni Terry Snead and Le Hook, will take the stage October 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the College of the Albemarle auditorium in Manteo, across from the Food-A-Rama. Doors open at 7. Regular performances begin Friday, October 14.