Muskie Theatre staging ‘Get Smart’

Many will remember “Get Smart” as a television show in the late 1960’s, but students involved in Fort Frances High School’s Muskie Theatre will be bringing this delightful comedy to the Townshend Theatre stage Dec. 6-8.
Written by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry and later adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel, the play follows “Maxwell Smart” (Michael Brady) and his partner “Agent 99” (Justine Christie) as they attempt to outwit evil organization, KAOS, headed by “Mr. Big” (Reece Brown).
“It’s going really well—very well, in fact,” stressed Kim McKinnon, who is directing the production along with assistant Carla Magisano.
“The kids are very excited,” she added. “They’ve all been working so hard. And not just on stage—They’ve been great about helping with props, costumes, and sets. Things are really starting to come together.”
She explained there are a lot of people involved in the production of the play.
“It’s amazing the number of people who have helped out,” she stressed.
McKinnon noted the audience will definitely recognize some of the characters from the television show, as well as songs from the ’60s and the theme music from the sitcom.
She expressed people might also recognize some of Smart’s signature lines, such as “And loving it!”
“I think people will really enjoy it . . . It’s a comedy, so the kids have been having fun with the slap-stick humour,” McKinnon remarked, citing there is also a lot of interest in the play since a film of the same name is coming out next summer featuring Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, and Alan Arkin.
“The kids are excited to have people come out and get some laughs,” she added.
She explained they’ve even put their own twist on it the play, like having the character of “Chief” as a female instead of a male (played by Sally Roach).
“It’s going to be a fantastic show, so we hope people come out and have a few laughs,” she stressed.
Tickets, which cost $12 for adults and $7 for children, students and seniors, can be purchased in advance at Northwoods Gallery & Gifts, as well as at the door.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the shows will begin at 7 p.m. each night.