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    A sucker for Shakespeare, I can’t wait to see these ‘Leading Ladies’
    • October 8, 2023

    I’m a sucker for anything Shakespeare, so I was delighted when my friend, Lori McKenna, told me she was born on the Bard’s birthday. 

    This was her lead-in to letting me know that she is an assistant director of the JFed Players’ upcoming production of “Leading Ladies,” a Shakespearean spoof.

    Lori described the musical comedy as a hilarious romp full of colorful characters, witty banter … and Shakespeare. I was on board even before she added “high heels and bad behavior.”

     The story centers on two down-on-their-luck British Shakespearean actors who, after reading a newspaper story about an ailing, rich old woman and her quest to find her two missing nephews and heirs to her fortune, see it as an opportunity to reverse their luck. The fun begins when the actors hatch a plan to masquerade as the woman’s nephews only to find out the nephews are actually nieces.  

    Along the way, there is a revolving door of relationships, unusual characters and interesting costumes all culminating in the presentation of a Shakespearean play with some funny surprises. Apparently, a little Shakespeare leads to a lot of laughs.

    This week, I honor the memory of another Shakespearean aficionado, my late husband George Roegler, who passed away five years ago. He was a founding member of the JFed Players and a theater devotee who, in his own words, felt “more at home on stage than anywhere else.” 

    Not only would George have loved to be a part of “Leading Ladies,” he would have been so pleased about the new talented actors who have joined the theater ensemble. Debuting on the JFed Players’ stage for “Leading Ladies” are Justin Guigliemetti from Los Angeles, Mimi Caballero from Alhambra and Katie Landro from Long Beach.

    The show opens on Saturday, October 14 at Porticos Art Space in Pasadena and runs through Sunday, October 22. 

    Performances are on Saturdays (October 14 & 21, 8 p.m.), Sundays (October 15 & 22, 3 p.m.) and on Thursday, October 19, 7:30 p.m.  

    Tickets available at www.jewishsgpv.org or (626) 445-0810

    Email [email protected]. Follow her on X @patriciabunin and patriciabunin.com 

    ​ Orange County Register 

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