Proscenium Players present over-the-top comedy, ‘The Underpants’

Proscenium Players, Inc., presents the Steve Martin comedy “The Underpants,” opening Friday at the Brewery Arts Center’s Maizie Harris-Jesse Theater.

Set in 1910 Germany, the comedy originally written by Carl Sternheim was turned into the over-the-top farce by Martin and opened in 2002 in an off-Broadway production.

The plot centers around an unruly pair of bloomers.

“A very reserved couple go out to see the (kaiser) go by in a parade,” producer Carla Wilson said. “Suddenly, her kickers fall to her ankles. It becomes the talk of the town.”

Jeffrey Fast plays the mortified husband, Theo Maske. His wife Louise is played by Johanna Hudson.

As Theo tries to quiet the gossip by keeping Louise at home, he’s also interviewing men interested in renting a room of their house. The applicants, however, are more interested in Louise than the room.

“When three guys come (for the room), they really come to woo Louise,” Wilson said. “The men are enamoured over Louise’s knickers falling down. (Theo) is mortified.”

Fanning the gossip fires is their neighbor Gertrude Deuter, played by Heidi Hampton.

“Gertrude is a busy body, an instigator,” Wilson said. “She keeps the pot stirred.”

Wilson recommends the play for adults 16 and older due to the adult conversations.

An opening night reception will follow the performance, providing an opportunity to mingle with the cast and crew and enjoy bratwurst and sauerkraut.

Performance dates are 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday, March 22, 23, 29 and 30 and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. March 24.

Tickets are $18 general; and $15 for PPI and Brewery Arts members, students and seniors aged 60 and older. Purchase tickets at breweryarts.org/, by calling 775-883-1976, or at the Brewery at 449 W. King St.