UNK’s production of “A Fox on the Fairway” is expected to be an engaging, comedy-filled show that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. Directed by UNK alumna Ally Fricke, this comedy is one of the last theatre productions UNK will offer.
The cast and crew are putting their hearts into making it unforgettable.
“The best way I could sum up this production is it’s a comedy about golf, extremely funny, two rival golf clubs and high stakes with some major plot twists,” said Brianna Linden, a junior theatre major and cast member who plays Pamela Peabody.“This is one of the funniest shows I’ve ever been a part of.”
Set in the mid-1970s at Quail Valley Golf Club, “A Fox on the Fairway” centers around two rival country clubs competing in their annual golf tournament. The stakes are high for Quail Valley’s Mr. Bingham, who is desperate to end his five-year losing streak. The play unfolds with a series of improbable and hilarious events that push the characters into outrageous situations. Expect plenty of plot twists, love triangles and a rollercoaster of emotions between the cast of quirky characters.
Fricke, who majored in theatre and minored in dance, said she returned to direct this show because UNK theatre gave her a home during her college years. She hopes to help others feel the same support and love she experienced.
“The faculty was the backbone of this department, and they handled the change with such grace,” Fricke said. “I am so thankful to them for all they’ve done throughout the years.”
UNK theatre faculty chose “A Fox on the Fairway” because of its unique style – a farce filled with over-the-top moments that make the audience laugh while also offering relatable characters and situations.
“I think the faculty chose this production for their last season because the show itself ends with a bang and they wanted to do that with the final season,” Fricke said. “Farces are something that I have never seen on a UNK stage, so it is fun to help bring this show to life.”
Linden said she has been involved in UNK productions since her freshman year and values the relationships she’s made with fellow cast members.
“Connection with the cast and experiencing funny moments in the process of this production definitely has to be my favorite part,” Linden said. “I feel like this is a very good production to be one of the lasts.”
Behind the scenes, Hannah Sims, a junior majoring in theatre and minoring in German, serves as the costume designer. Sims requested to design the costumes for this production before she even knew the show’s title, eager to apply her passion for design after taking two costume classes. She crafted 20 costumes to match the mid-1970s setting, drawing inspiration from the show’s comedic and dramatic moments.
Sims said one of her favorite parts of the production has been seeing the cast’s reactions to her designs, particularly the handmade sweaters for two characters.
“The costumes are brightly colored, silly and beautiful,” Sims said. “I can’t wait for people to see it all put together.”
Fricke said the hard work of the cast and crew, combined with the energetic nature of the farce, promises to give audiences a night to remember.
“My favorite part of this production is how hard we are all working,” Sims said. “We are putting all our love for theatre and so much time, work and talent into this season and show.”
Performances of “A Fox on the Fairway” will take place October 9-13 in the Miriam Drake Theatre. Prepare to laugh, cheer and appreciate the legacy of UNK’s theatre department in this delightful final chapter.
Photos by Gabby Roche / Antelope Staff
