The McLean Community Players’ production of Sir Alan Ayckbourn’s sci-fi romantic comedy “Comic Potential” opens on Friday, Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. at the McLean Community Center’s Alden Theatre. “Comic Potential” runs through Saturday, Oct. 22 and includes Sunday matinees on October 9 and 16.
On one level, “Comic Potential” is a satire of the television industry. It is set slightly in the future, when everything has changed except human nature. On a deeper level, Comic Potential explores what makes us human and the nature of love. The McLean Players’ production of the show is directed by Bob Sams.
“In Comic Potential, Sir Alan Ayckbourn presents us with a couple of very interesting questions: What makes comedy (as opposed to just being funny)? What is love and can restrictions be placed upon it? Can a human actually fall in love with an android and can an android actually experience love? When do artificial intelligence and humanity coincide?,” Sams said.
“But the real point of the show is, ‘You call that comedy? Yeah, it’s funny. It’s real funny, but it ain’t comedy! This is comedy! Watch!’ And Sir Alan serves up a double helping of comedy. This is a show that will make you hang on the edge of your seat wondering how the characters are going to escape ‘another fine mess you’ve gotten me into.'”
The Alden Theatre is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue. Friday and Saturday shows start at 8 p.m. and the Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m. Tickets cost between $18 – $20. For more information, visit mcleanplayers.org.
