The Hilberry Theatre opens Sly Fox, by Larry Gelbart, at 8 p.m. on Friday, February 3, 2006. The story regards Foxwell J. Sly and his accomplice Simon Able who set about ways to rob from the rich to give to themselves. Turn-of-the-century San Francisco never looked quite as silly as when these swindlers use greed to convince a trio of fools to go to great lengths to become what they each believe to be Sly’s sole heir. It’s no wonder that this hilariously farcical adaptation comes from the pen of the comic genius that brought us M*A*S*H.

Adapted from Ben Jonson’s Volpone, or The Fox, a black comedy first produced in 1606, the story of this greedy swindler was considered one of the finest comedies of the Jacobean period. Larry Gelbart, who has brought us such comedies as Tootsie and M*A*S*H, updated the setting of Sly Fox from Renaissance Venice to 19th-century San Francisco and changed the tone from satire to farce. Gelbart is also well known for writing Broadway hits such as A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and City of Angels.

Directed by David J. Magidson, the cast includes: Patrick Moltane (Simon Able), Mike Metzel (Foxwell J. Sly/Judge), Chris Corporandy (Lawyer Craven), Christopher M. Bohan (Jethro Crouch), Tiffanie Kilgast (Miss Fancy), Michael Brian Ogden (Abner Truckle), Megan Callahan (Mrs. Truckle), Morgan Chard (Crouch’s Servant), Jeff Luttermoser (Servant 1/Policeman 1), Jennifer McConnell (Servant 2), Cynthia Barker (Servant 3), Michael Boynton (Policeman 2), Nathan Magee (Policeman 3), Carly Germany (Court Clerk), Jeff Thomakos (Chief of Police), Sean Ward (Captain Crouch). Designers for Sly Fox are Alex van Blommestien (scenic), Andrew Morehouse (lighting), Corey Globke (costumes), Neil Koivu and Rahme Rayes (co-sound).

Sly Fox plays through Thursday, March 30, 2006 in rotating repertory with Electra by Sophocles, translated by Anne Carson, and Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare.

Ticket prices range from $15 - $28 with student rush tickets available the day of the performance for $10. Group discounts are also available. For tickets and further information, please call (313) 577-2972 or visit the Wayne State University Box Office at 4743 Cass Ave. on the corner of Cass Ave. and W. Hancock. Performance information may also be obtained by visiting the theatre’s website at www.hilberry.com.

Season sponsored by Between the Lines, Metrotimes and Dearborn Times Herald.

*Photos by Nicole Gram

Sly Fox Performance Breakdown:
Wed. 2 p.m.: Mar. 29
Thurs. 8 p.m.: Feb. 9, Feb. 23, Mar. 30
Fri. 8 p.m.: Feb. 3, Feb. 17, Feb. 24, Mar. 24
Sat. 2 p.m.: Feb. 18, Mar. 25
Sat. 8 p.m.: Feb. 4, Feb. 18, Mar. 11, Mar. 25