Working in the theater isn’t for sissies. Or the timid. Or the lazy. It’s tough, stressful work. Author John Steinbeck said, “The theatre is the only institution in the world that has been dying for four thousand years and has never succumbed. It requires tough devoted people to keep it alive.” The truth of that sentiment is given hilarious validation in “Inspecting Carol,” now playing at the Waterfront Playhouse through January 6th.

The play is about a small professional theater company that is struggling to survive financially. Subscriptions are down and grants are going unrewarded. During rehearsals of their annual (and somewhat tired) “A Christmas Carol” (their cash cow), they get news of the impending arrival of an inspector from the National Endowment for the Arts to review their work. Uh oh…

When an aspiring actor of somewhat questionable talent arrives to audition, he is mistaken for the inspector and the management proceeds to indulge his every whim. This includes allowing his misguided tinkering with the script to make the Holiday classic “more relevant.” But, he really wants to act, so the artistic director casts him as the world’s oldest Tiny Tim. The results are a chaotic, accident filled, production that leaves audiences roaring with laughter.

The play was written by Daniel Sullivan, who is an award-winning actor, playwright and director. He recently directed the Tony Award-winning production of “The Little Foxes” with Laura Linney and Cynthia Nixon. For “Inspecting Carol,” he had input from the company members of the Seattle Repertory Theatre. Together they shared their nightmare experiences of doing annual productions of “Christmas Carol,” creating this delightful holiday hit for the Seattle Rep. In fact, the company is reprising the play once again for their 2017 Christmas production.

Director Murphy Davis has assembled a terrific cast of Waterfront veterans, as well as a number of experienced actors new to the Playhouse stage. The company includes Willie Aldesec, Don Bearden, David Black, Arthur Crocker, Luis Febo, Mook J, Chrissy Jacobs, Mathias Malhoff, Vanessa McCaffrey, John McDonald, Annie Miners & Caroline Taylor.

The gorgeous set of the Soap Box Playhouse is designed by the Waterfront’s acclaimed scenic designer, Michael Boyer. Carmen Rodriguez has costumed the cast in an amazing array of both contemporary and period costumes. John Jaworski acts as lighting designer , Ben Pegg on sound and Peggy Montgomery acts as stage manager.

Tickets are $50 and are available at www.waterfrontplayhouse.org or at 305-294-5015. Memberships, subscriptions and gift certificates (great Christmas gifts!) are available on our website. Also, check out our Friday Night Date Night deal, as well as other discounts on the website. All performances are 8 PM. The production is sponsored by Key TV, with season sponsors: Digital Island Media, Wodu Media and Royal Furniture.