The Waterfront Playhouse begins their 2017/18 season with the uproarious comedy “Inspecting Carol,” by Daniel Sullivan. This hilarious riff on Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol” is a cross between “Noises Off” and “Waiting For Guffman” as a struggling theater’s annual holiday production goes horribly wrong. The American Journal called the play “sheer comic genius.”

“Inspecting Carol” takes place at the Soap Box Playhouse – a struggling theatre company that is in rehearsals for their annual production of “A Christmas Carol.” Like many theaters, “Carol” is their annual cash cow; however, their production has become stale and shabby over the years. The Tiny Tim is not so tiny, Scrooge is a scotch-swilling socialist and the company’s funding is on hold pending an inspection from the National Endowment of the Arts. When an aspiring actor of somewhat questionable talent arrives to audition, he is mistaken for the inspector with the NEA. The entire company caters to the bewildered wannabe actor, indulging his every misguided whim. Things begin to spiral out of control with questionable casting, the special effects going haywire and a fireworks display of clashing egos. God help us everyone!

“Inspecting Carol” will be directed by Murphy Davis (“It’s Only A Play,” “Trip To Bountiful,” etc.), who directed a production of “Inspecting Carol” at the Bay Street Theater when he was their artistic director. The Waterfront production will feature a cast of twelve outstanding actors – both familiar and new to the Waterfront stage. They include Willie Aldesec, Don Bearden, David Black, Arthur Crocker, Luis Febo, Mook J, Chrissy Jacobs, Mathias Malhoff, Vanessa McCaffrey, John McDonald, Annie Miners & Caroline Taylor. Most of the cast bounces between their offstage characters and the ones they are playing in the Soap Box’s compromised production of “A Christmas Carol.” The results are a laugh out loud spoof that makes for a night at the theatre that is anything but show business as usual.

“Inspecting Carol” was written by renowned actor, director and playwright, Daniel Sullivan and was developed by the Seattle Repertory Company. It has been a favorite with regional theaters across the country, having had numerous productions. The Seattle Times called the play “A Dickens of a giggle!”

The amazing 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 and Peggy Montgomery acts as stage manager.

Opening night is Thursday, December 14th with a gala party held in the Sculpture Garden after the production sponsored through a generous donation by Kate Regan & Ken Silverman. There are also two low-priced previews on December 12th and 13th. All performances are 8 PM. The production is sponsored by Key TV, with season sponsors: Digital Island Media, Wodu Media and Royal Furniture.

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.