Fenwick theater is making their final preparations for the upcoming musical, “Lucky Stiff,” which premiers on Friday, March 13th at 7 p.m. with alternate showtimes on Saturday, March 15th at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 18th at 1 p.m.
The show is a comedic farce set in 1980s Monte Carlo, where you follow Harry Witherspoon, who must take his dead uncle’s body on a trip to inherit a fortune. With mistaken identities, disguises, love interests, and chaotic chases, it is not a show you would want to miss! “Lucky Stiff” is Mr. Garvett’s second production and first musical at Fenwick. This new leadership has brought good, fresh energy to the program, an energy that will be seen on stage this weekend. Mr. Garvett chose this production based on the wide variety of artistic aspects within the musical, as it includes dance, singing, and acting.
Director Mr. Garvett began theater at age seven in Miami, Florida, and attended a performing arts high school heavily focused on theater. This July, he came to Fenwick wanting to return to the arts. The Wick was able to interview him last week, where he expressed his enjoyment working with Fenwick’s theater space, its equipment, and collaboration with Mr. Conway, Ms. Shoffer, and Fenwick students. In choosing productions, he looks for those that are fun but manageable for the cast and their strengths. This winter, he selected “Lucky Stiff” because of its entertaining features and popularity within the cast.
Based on Michael Butterworth’s novel, ‘The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo’, Lucky Stiff stands as a bit of an unknown, unheard of musical to most. It was first produced in 1988, reputed as an iconic comedy. It is ultimately known for its strange plot where the main character Harry inherits money for completing a strange trip with his uncle’s corpse. The show features twists, drama, and over the top humor. The audience can expect a captivating but comedic show.
Along with Mr. Garvett, The Wick was also able to interview one student actress from the class of 2028, Gigi Henao. In “Lucky Stiff,” she plays multiple characters, including Spinster, Southern Lady, and Dominique Domenico. She told us that her favorite moment in the show is the song “Speaking French,” a lively scene with confetti cannons and an energetic atmosphere. She describes the show as comedic, silly and unique. When asked about rehearsals, Gigi explained that they open every meeting with a pep talk, reviewing notes from the previous rehearsal. Next, they begin running scenes from beginning to end while taking breaks for notes and adjustments. At the end of the rehearsal, they have a final discussion and give constructive feedback.
Mr. Garvett expressed how theater helps students develop communication skills, confidence, creativity and a heightened imagination. He believes theater encourages students to experiment and take risks. He also notes that within the theater community students often find a supportive and welcoming atmosphere, which I felt even while only being there for an hour. Gigi Henao also emphasized that theater made her feel seen and supported. During the interview, it was evident that the sense of community and love for their pursuit in the theater was strong, not only from Gigi’s words, but also the countless compliments and interactions pointed at everyone around the auditorium.
Mr. Garvett has many goals going forward with Fenwick theater. He hopes to reintroduce acting classes next year, potentially growing the amount of students going into theater and drawing in future students who want to be involved with theater in their high school career. Fenwick recently joined the International Thespian Honor Society, an organization that recognizes student contributions in acting, technical work, and writing. Mr. Garvett also plans to compete in the Illinois Theatre Fest with monologues, scenes, and musical performances; it is a place where students will receive feedback from professional judges.
Fenwick’s production of “Lucky Stiff” represents the comedic entertainment that the show gives along with growth within Fenwick’s theater program with its new leadership now in action. With new leadership and expanding opportunities, Fenwick Theater is continuing to build a strong and welcoming community—and by the looks of it will continue to do so. While being among the chaos of the week before the show, laughter and passion filled the auditorium.
