Experience London in 1879 at The Las Vegas Little Theater
Las Vegas Little Theatre has opened its 44th season with The Explorers Club by Nell Benjamin through Sept. 26.
Benjamin loves to make heroines out of tall blondes. Back in 2007, she and her husband, Laurence O'Keefe, co-wrote the music and lyrics for Legally Blonde The Musical, an unflaggingly enthusiastic expression of modern-day girl power. She now introduces the 19th-century British version of girl power as the brilliant explorer Phyllida Spotte-Hume in Benjamin's farce, The Explorers Club.
Set in 1879 London during the city's industrial and economic boom, the play follows members of the Explorers Club, a high-society group of scientists and explorers who dwell in a 19th century equivalent of a man cave. Botanist Lucius (Jake Taylor) wants to make the old boys' club co-ed by sponsoring the membership of Phyllida (Erika Petra), who's recently discovered the lost city of Pahatlabong (and in whom Lucius has more than a scientific interest). Phyllida's brought back with her one of the natives, an acrobatic chap in blue body paint and a loincloth whom she's nicknamed Luigi (Michael Kimball). Luigi's audience with the queen, whom he greets in the manner of his people, is by slapping her across the face. Then the "fun" begins.
This fast and funny show is directed by Tiffany DeStefano and Jacob Moore and features a cast of talented local actors, including Sean Clark, Trevor Gonzalez, Kyle Jones, Michael Kaczurak, Ernest Medina, Wayne Morton, and Tommy Watanabe. Vegas Valley Award-winner Ron Lindbloom has designed a striking set with lighting design by Vegas Valley Award winner Ginny Adams. In addition, Roxanne Andrews has created gorgeous costumes.
The Explorers Club plays on the main stage at Las Vegas Little Theatre, 3920 Schiff Drive, through Sept. 26. Performances on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. There will be one Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. on Sept. 18. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at www.lvlt.org or by calling the box office at (702) 362-7996. Box office hours are 4 to 8 p.m. on Mondays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.