Misfits Theater to stage madcap bank robbery

Some nasty characters are planning a bank robbery in the latest madcap melodrama from the Misfits Theater Group. "Showdown at the Phingerdoo or Bad Day at Dead Frog Flats" opens March 28 upstairs at Chuck's Old West Grill on Pike Street in Dayton.

The "Showdown" is an old-fashioned melodrama set in the Wild Wild West.

The infamous Rawlings Gang is headed to the town of Dead Frog Flats to rob the Phingerdoo Bank, explained spokesman Tony Thornburg. They'll have to get past Sheriff Amos Crutchwaffle (Mark McGyver) " the second most feared man in the West " not because he'll protect the bank, but because he also has designs to abscond with the money.

The gang's plans get real complicated when their leader, Rawhide Ralph Rawlins (Dan Rice) falls in love with the owner of the bank, the heroine Bambi Phingerdoo (Kiersten Smithson). He turns hero and seeks to stop the evildoers' plot.

And if that's not enough plot twists for you, Fat Jack Caldwell (Dwayne Zboinski) " the most feared man in the West " shows up with plans of his own.

"The plot is convoluted enough for a lot of fun," Thornburg said.

The Misfits Theater Group melodramas are known for their old-fashioned, cornball fun complete with prompters holding signs to rouse the audience to boo, hiss, or cheer as needed. And by the end, the bad guys always get what they deserve.

"Showdown at the Phingerdoo" is directed by Carol Bauer and will play at 7 p.m. March 28, April 3-4; and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 29. Tickets are $10.

Recognizing that many families are having to tighten their purse strings lately, the Misfits Theater Group and Chuck's Old West Grill are offering special discounts to help folks out. Those who purchase both evening show tickets and dinner at Chuck's will receive $5 off dinner and $2 off the show. For the Sunday matinee performance, senior citizens (age 65 and older) will receive $2 discounts.

For more information call 775-246-9622.