The Odyssey Theatre Ensemble and Circus Theatrical's first co-production, Moliere's The Cheats of Scapin, will open at the Odyssey Aug. 7 for an eight-week run. Jack Stehlin of Circus Theatricals directs and stars as the infamous and lovable scoundrel Scapin.
Others in the cast are Kathleen S. Dunn, Matt Gottlieb, Kimberly Karen Johnson, Carol Ketay, Roald Martinsen, Tom McCleister, C. Charles Scheeren, Damon Seawell and Sean Patrick Thomas.
Stehlin and his producing director (and wife) Jeannine Welles have decided to perform Scapin in commedia dell'arte style, blending fantasy and farce in a circus-like atmosphere, if only because Stehlin comes from a family of circus performers. His mother was the last to leave the family juggling/wire-walking/trapeze act in the Ringling Brothers Circus and did so shortly before his birth.
The show plays through Sept. 26 at the Odyssey, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd. For tickets and information call (310) 477-2055.
-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent