It is a cardinal rule that if a mockery is performed at Mississippi State University, the joshing comes at the expense of Ole Miss or Auburn, but this time, the Bulldogs get a chance to make fun of themselves. On Thursday, the department of communication presents “What the Butler Saw,” a two-act farce written by Joe Orton and directed by Jo Durst.
Cast members include Jon Noble as Dr. Prentice, Deanna Dye as Geraldine Barclay, Melissa Fenwick as Mrs. Prentice, Justin Miller as Nick, Kendrick Vivians as Dr. Rance and Marcus Daniels as Match.
“Butler” is only Durst’s second venture into farces, but it comes as a welcome challenge.
“They are so much harder than any other form of drama,” Durst said. “The movement is more complicated; the characters are one-dimensional in that they are simplified, usually having one attribute and wearing just one mask. No two characters ever wear the same mask.”
The masks Durst speaks of refer to the image people try to present in order to shield their identities.
“For instance, the wife is sexually insatiable, and the mask she wears is of an educated woman,” Durst said. “We recognize them so well because we either see ourselves or someone else in the masks.”
Durst said that “Butler” is a play fueled by mistaken identities, sexual innuendos and complications. These complications may make the play challenging, but like their director, the cast is quick to say, “Bring it on.”
“The script is intellectually witty,” Dye said. “It’s sophisticated witticism combined with adolescent humor.”
“That’s the beauty of a farce,” Vivians said. “You don’t have to think too much, you can just sit back, relax and have a good time.”
While Fenwick enjoys her change of pace, Noble is just happy to be in any show.
“I tried out, not expecting to get a part, and I’m just thrilled to be here,” Noble said.
In his first show at MSU, Noble gets to lay on the charm as he plays Dr. Prentice.
“He’s a doctor who enjoys seducing women and gets caught trying to seduce his secretary by his wife,” Noble said. “He spends the rest of the play trying to get himself out of a jam.”
“Butler” is also the first show at MSU for Miller. Like Noble, Miller is off to a hot start as he plays a role similar to that of Dustin Hoffman in “Tootsie.”
“I play this sexually oriented little kid, and I get to cross dress,” Miller said. “I go from boxers to a dress to boxers to a police uniform and back to boxers.”
In a loony bin of a production, Daniels and Vivians provide the authoritarian figures.
“Match is a police sergeant sent to figure out what’s going on in the madness,” Daniels said. “I love being the guy in charge because I’m never like that in real life.”
The “Butler” crew includes assistant directors Christopher Tyer and Madeline Siggins, stage managers Pamela Buhner and Shelly Plunkett, light operator Javores McKinney, sound designer Drew Starr and costume designer Dawn Fowler.
“What the Butler Saw” will play Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the McComas Hall Theater. Tickets cost $5 for students and $10 for the public.