Set in the Arizona Territory, in the late 1800’s, Drac in the Saddle Again begins on a train. Momma Farmer and her brother, Norman, are headed back to the ranch, when a strange fog rolls in. An antagonistic bat comes from nowhere. Then a mysterious stranger turns up, and joins them. After some congenial conversation, he strikes without mercy. Loud, prolonged booing ensues. (As it should.) Snatching a locket from Mama Farmer’s throat, Dracula (yes, it’s him!) concocts a scheme to pose as Fannie Farmer’s Uncle Norman and wreak havoc on their erstwhile, reasonably contented lives. After successfully convincing his naive “niece”, he conspires with the housekeeper, Consuela del Frankenstein (??!!) to enact an onslaught of mayhem and treachery on Fannie and her boyfriend: The Guy with No Name. Little does Dracula suspect he must match wits with Sheriff Arnold Schnetvinger and his wife, Dr. Hilde Schnetvinger.
I am (as they say in the UK) chuffed to bits that Pocket Sandwich Theatre has reopened its doors, ever mindful (naturally) of the responsible steps required for a safe and glorious evening of comedy. There may be others who try to emulate their technique, but to quote the philosopher Carly Simon, “Nobody does it better.” PST’s tongue-in cheek, fabulously ridiculous, over-the-top, goofy brand of hilarity, is a balm to the soul. Drac in the Saddle Again rarely misses an opportunity for a blue pun, wisecrack, silly reference, scene-gobbling outburst or meticulously placed non sequitur. “Nobody talks that way about my Fannie.” …. “Did you order a Bloody Mary? No, but I will.”…etc…There’s nothing better than a show that elicits helpless laughter: the result of excellent timing, masterful mugging, scimitar sharp banter and disingenuousness (or is it?) that would make Gracie Allen proud.
It isn’t just Pandemic Deprivation speaking when I say that Pocket Sandwich makes the extraordinary effort to be welcoming and hospitable. It was a joy to be in the midst of such a merry throng of performers and of course, audience members. If you can’t boo you-know-who or cheer our real-life-heroes in person, for Christ’s sake do it at PST!
Pocket Sandwich Theatre presents: Drac in the Saddle Again playing April 30th through June 19th, 2021. 5400 E. Mockingbird Lane, Suite 119, Dallas, Texas 75206. 214-821-1860.
Drac in the Saddle Again was written by Steve Lovett and directed by Michael Speck. Starring: Kayla Anderson (Fannie Farmer) Bryan Brooks (The Guy With No Name) Kelly Moore Clarkson (Momma Farmer) Matt Doden (Dracula) April 30th-May 30th. Sherry Etzel (Consuela de Frankenstein) May 13th-June 19th. Kenneth Fulenwider (Uncle Norman) Jake Shanahan (Dracula) June 10-19th. Alex Wade (Black Bart) Aidan Wright (Chap-Chap) Trista Wyly (Consuela de Frankenstein) April 30th-May 9th.
P.S. Michael, I apologize. I know you’re not Richard. I’m a fool.