MCC’s Swashbuckling comedy opens this weekend in Norris Alley

McCook Community College Theater’s swashbuckler hits the stage in world premiere production and musical event in McCook’s Norris Alley Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.

“Swashbuckling Scallywags and Sweethearts,” is a brief sword-slinging comedy of love, pirates and secret identities. It was written and is directed by MCC Theater faculty, Mark Hardiman. The original script was written specifically for the cast of players that feature both McCook Community College students and community members.

The performances this weekend also include 30-minute pre-show concerts (starting at 7:30 p.m.) in McCook’s Norris Alley. Friday concerts will include Kerrick and Wayne Keyboard Duo and Kapella Brass. Saturday and Sunday’s concerts will feature Kapella Brass.

Hardiman said this play is a light comedy that combines slapstick comedy, quick-witted dialogue, swordplay and, of course, pirates.

The Norris Alley venue is in the heart of McCook’s downtown between the Fox Theater and the Keystone, and the space was created by the Norris Foundation. According to Hardiman, premiering this MCC production there, gives the event -- and the newly minted space -- a chance to shine.

“The whole idea is to celebrate this event with all of McCook,” he said. “We made it free and accessible to everyone. By combining a pre-show concert and a comedy, we wanted to create a fun event for everyone.”

After the Saturday performance, there will be a post-show discussion in the Keystone’s Sixth Floor gallery.

Kapella brass provides brass music for various events in the McCook and Oberlin areas. They specialize in a diverse repertoire. The keyboard duo Kerrick and Wayne feature new-age music among other things.

Here is the cast for this weekend’s performances:

Leaf - Brandon Molcyk

The Dread Pirate Roger - Bryce Osterman

Picea - Kelli Spike

T or the Dread Pirate Pink Hair - Lainie Allen

Giles - Lane Vette *

Fern - Anna Miller *

The Duchess of Brocolby - Joy Molcyk

The Duchess of Bridgewater - Milva McGhee

Narrator - Don Harpst

(* - indicates MCC students)