John Simosky, Derek Bolme, and Jim Skiles in “My Son Is Crazy, but Promising" at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre -- November 14 through 24.
Thursday, November 14, through Sunday, November 24
Richmond Hill Barn Theatre, 600 Robinson Drive, Geneseo IL
Closing the venue's 2024 season with a burst of wacky hilarity, Geneseo's Richmond Hill Barn Theatre will stage playwright Tim Kelly's My Son Is Crazy, but Promising from November 14 through 24, with the Brigham Young University Review stating that "Kelly has created a fun, screwball whodunit" boasting an "outlandish plot, amusing complications, and fun characters."
In My Son Is Crazy, but Promising, eccentric Hollywood screenwriter Bud Granger decides to give up life in the fast lane and buys a lodge in Tumbleweed, Arizona. The inn is a termite pile, but as it's located near the fabled "Lost Dutchman Mine," Bud thinks he might soon be a reclusive millionaire. What he didn't foresee was that the lodge is full of nuts, among them: a little old lady who is in touch with "Space People"; outraged tourists who thought the lodge would be like the Ritz; Oysters Rockefeller, an emotional mobster who won't stay dead; and aspiring starlet Chi-Chi Vazoom who finds lizards "cute." Then Bud's zany mother Tilly unexpectedly arrives, and in addition to all of these opportunities for slapstick shenanigans, the beleaguered man is also forced to navigate the FBI, a corpse on roller skates, the state lottery, the mysterious flight bag, and the culinary oddity brussels sprouts on a stick.
Directing My Son Is Crazy, but Promising's Geneseo run, and also serving as light and sound operator, is Barn Theatre veteran Dana Skiles, whose previous productions for the venue have included Msery, Here Lies Jeremy Troy, and Clue: On Stage. Bud Granger is played by Derek Bolme, Tilly is portrayed by Carol Neuleib, and the slapstick comedy's ensemble is completed by: Samuel Carrington; Jonathan Grafft; Stacy Herrick; Terri Nelson; Beth Nyland; Katie Orwig; Elizabeth Shaffer; David Shaffer; Jane Simonsen; John Simosky; Tiffany Simosky; and Jim Skiles. Members of the show's creative time, meanwhile, include stage manager Jackie Skiles, light and sound designer Dana Skiles, and set builders Mike Skiles and Jim Skiles.
My Son Is Crazy, but Promising runs at Geneseo's Barn Theatre from November 14 through 24, with performances Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Admission is $12, and more information and tickets are available by calling (309)944-2244 and visiting RHPlayers.com.
