Our 100th season begins with the satirical comedy Born Yesterday by Rochester-born playwright Garson Kanin. His show premiered on Broadway to rave reviews in 1946, and local audiences flocked to see the premier performance of Born Yesterday in Rochester when it opened at RCP’s Playhouse on February 9, 1952.
Another cast of local actors will once again perform Kanin’s comedy-drama beginning February 7, 2025, in RCP’s second production 73 years later!
In this classic comedy, Harry Brock, an uncouth, corrupt, but rich junk dealer, brings his showgirl mistress Billie Dawn to Washington, D.C., with him. When her ignorance becomes a liability to Brock’s business dealings, he hires a news reporter to educate his girlfriend. However, Billie soon realizes how corrupt Harry is and begins interfering with his plans to bribe a Congressman into passing legislation that would allow his business to make more money.
Director John R. Jaeger says, “Born Yesterday is very well-written, which also makes it very interesting to direct.” He also considers Billie Dawn, the leading female character, an especially strong role as she “wakes up” to her own potential during the course of the play.
Born Yesterday is a comedy-drama with a storyline that is still relevant nearly eight decades after Kanin wrote the script. As the play’s Senator Hedges says: “This country will soon have to decide if the people are going to run the Government or if the Government is going to run the people.”
Performances of Born Yesterday are at the Multi-use Community Cultural Center (MuCCC), 142 Atlantic Avenue in Rochester. Evening shows are February 7 and 8 and 13 to 15 at 7:30 p.m. A matinee performance on Sunday, February 9 at 2:00 p.m. is also ASL-interpreted.
Tickets are $20 general admission and $15 for seniors/students. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.muccc.org or at the door before each performance that is not already sold out.
Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Feliza Bascara-Zohar | Mrs. Hedges/Assistant Manager |
| Brad Craddock | Harry Brock |
| Lucas Hadley-Telfer | Paul Verrall |
| Hanna Hertzler | Helen/Barber |
| Richard Kendrick | Senator Hedges |
| Peter Schermerhorn | Eddie |
| Helena Shumway | Billie Dawn |
| Christopher Standhart | Multiple Roles |
| Diane L. Wilder | Jane Devery |
Production Team
| John R. Jaeger | Director/Scenic Designer |
| Grace Judge | Stage Manager |
| Christopher Standhart | Assistant Stage Manager |
| Kelli Dumuhosky | Assistant Stage Manager |
| Michael Krickmire | Co-producer |
| Vinny Carbone | Co-producer |
| Lizz K.d. | Production Manager |
| Ken Dauer | Technical Director |
| Elyssia Primus | Costume Designer |
| Kenneth DeBot | Lighting Designer |
| Cassie Buscemi | Fight Choreographer |
| Jill Rittinger | Intimacy Coordinator |
| Luane Davis Haggerty | ASL Interpreter |
| AnneMarie Giannandrea | Lightboard Operator |