Falcon Theatre is proud to present the west coast premiere of Laurel and Hardy, written by Tom McGrath and directed by Dimitri Toscas, the first production of its 2011-2012 Subscription Season. This sweet and sensationally funny bio-play stars Kevin Blake (iCarly, Jag) and Paul C. Vogt (MADtv and Broadway’s Hairspray!), with Robert Petrarca at the piano.
Stan Laurel (Kevin Blake) and Oliver Hardy (Paul C. Vogt) reminisce about their lives, loves and careers in Vaudeville, Silent Movies, and the Talkies. Flashing back to some of their world-famous comedy sketches, slapstick, music and dance routines, as well as poignant glimpses behind the scenes, the charm and wit of Laurel and Hardy are reborn in this affectionate homage to the men behind the laughter and success of one of the most prolific comedy duos in Hollywood.
Laurel and Hardy plays five weeks, Wednesday-Saturday at 8pm, with Sunday matinees at 4pm.
“I found Kevin Blake and Paul C. Vogt’s performances as the bowler-hatted pair…more successful than even colorization in bringing their art to life…[they] recreate classic routines with such skill and verve that, in the end, I recoiled from a clip of the ‘real’ duo as if they were bad impersonators. Dimitri Toscas’ direction is meticulous and sprightly…Robert Petrarca, who plays the piano, sings and jumps in whenever necessary to make the slapstick slappier, communicates entire novels with his eyebrows. Those who already love Laurel and Hardy will find this sweet, deft homage delightful. Others will be smitten.”
- LA Times
Paul C. Vogt, Garry Marshall and Kevin Blake at the Falcon Theatre.
“Sweet, funny and thoroughly entertaining…Blake and Vogt do an extraordinary job capturing the essence of these two comedy geniuses. This Valentine to the beloved comedy duo…is not to be missed.”
- Examiner
“Blessed with excellent technical support, director Dimitri Toscas guides his performers with a sure hand through the play’s leaps in time and space.”
- Backstage
Paul C. Vogt, Garry Marshall, Kevin Blake and Dimitri Toscas at the Falcon Theatre.
“The acting borders on brilliant. Every nuance and gesture is perfectly measured and adds to the genuine and realistic characterizations of these comedic geniuses.”
- Patch.com
‘Stan Laurel’ (Kevin Blake) and ‘Oliver Hardy’ (Paul C. Vogt) in Laurel and Hardy at the Falcon Theatre. Photo by Chelsea Sutton.
“Laurel and Hardy is wonderfully glorious nostalgia for comedy fans who want to see where great comedy took shape. There’s also a song or two…and there are sad, poignant moments, but they are wisely overshadowed by the great silly, silly bits that made the men true legends and that keep us continually in stitches. Not to be missed.”
- BroadwayWorld.com
‘Stan Laurel’ (Kevin Blake) and ‘Oliver Hardy’ (Paul C. Vogt) in Laurel and Hardy at the Falcon Theatre. Photo by Chelsea Sutton.
“McGrath’s play is a charming assembly of bio material, marionettes, shadowplay, songs, dance numbers and comedy bits…gentle humor… creative staging by Dimitri Toscas.”
- LA Weekly
‘Pianist’ (Robert Petrarca), ‘Oliver Hardy’ (Paul C. Vogt) and ‘Stan Laurel’ (Kevin Blake) in Laurel and Hardy at the Falcon Theatre.
"A nostalgic and heartwarming journey down memory lane."
- Sid Fish
‘Oliver Hardy’ (Paul C. Vogt) and ‘Stan Laurel’ (Kevin Blake) in Laurel and Hardy at the Falcon Theatre.
“Stylish and poignant…Laurel and Hardy features outstanding acting, directing and design…director Dimitri Toscas inventively and thoughtfully stages the presentation…Blake and Vogt do an excellent job capturing the soul and spirit of these two gifted men…full of emotion and laughs!”
- Tolucan Times
