Prolific Playwright’s Work Coming to ICT

June 1st, 2012

There may be no comedic playwright living today that has had more success than Ken Ludwig. His plays have been making audiences laugh across the United States and the rest of the world as his work has been translated into 16 languages. International City Theatre (ICT) will present Ken Ludwig’s “Leading Ladies” in just a few short weeks, and audiences should get ready for a real laugh fest.

Courtesy of kenludwig.com

Ludwig is probably best known for “Lend Me a Tenor” and “Crazy For You,” but he has had six successful shows run on Broadway and six in the West End. His dynamic understanding of witty dialogue and comedic timing has garnered him three Tony Award nominations, two Olivier Awards, two Helen Hayes Awards and the Edgar Award. Needless to say, he has had quite the career. “Leading Ladies” has been a huge success in regional theatres since it debuted in 2004.

“Leading Ladies” is a rollicking comedy about two down-on-their-luck actors who dress as women to con a dying woman out of her millions. A cross between “Tootsie” and “Some Like It Hot,” Leo and Jack are so downtrodden that they are performing Shakespeare on the Moose Lodge Circuit in the Amish country of Pennsylvania. When they hear that an old lady is about to die and leave her fortune to her long lost English nephews, they resolve to pass themselves off as her beloved relatives and get the cash. Mayhem ensues when they find out that the relatives aren’t nephews – but nieces!

This is professional theatre at its best and something the entire family can enjoy together. The family that laughs together stays together. Just ask Ken Ludwig.

“Leading Ladies” runs June 5 – July 1 at International City Theatre. Purchase tickets by calling 562-436-4610 or visiting www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.