Drop everything for the STC’s production of Steve Martin’s The Underpants July 16-August 2 at the First Church, 316 Essex Street, in Salem!
Called “laugh-out-loud funny” by The New York Times and “hilarious and bawdy” by the Village Voice, this comic gem tells the story of Louise and Theo Maske, whose quiet, conservative existence is shattered when Louise’s bloomers fall down in public. It doesn’t take long for two prospective and peculiar boarders to show up at the door, both with a not-so-subtle ulterior motive to renting a room in the Maske’s house. As scandal explodes into spectacle, the characters reflect – and reflect upon – society’s fascination with fame, our reliance on gender roles, and our enslavement by sex.
“This play is a real romp,” said director Dominick Pangallo. “Steve Martin reinvigorates Carl Sternheim’s 1910 comedy, loading it up with his own unique brand of humor, wit, and comic timing. Brimming with off-the-wall comedy, clever banter, and edgy wordplay, this adaptation is as relevant today as Sternheim’s original play was a century ago.”
The Underpants is directed by Dominick Pangallo (Salem), with stage 
management by Jason Feran (Beverly). Jessica McGettrick (Salem) is the assistant stage manager and Alicia Greenwood (Salem) designed the costumes. The cast includes Sarah Carlin (Beverly), Stephen Cooper (Marblehead), John Fogle (Marblehead), Bob Karish (Salem), Craig Owen (Georgetown), Caroline Watson-Felt (Salem), and James Wilcox (Beverly).
Production Details
Thursdays-Sundays, July 16-August 2
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00pm; Sundays at 2:00pm
Adults $20, Students/Seniors $15 – reservations at www.salemtheatre.com or (978) 790-8546. If reserving by phone, please leave your name, the date of the show you would like tickets for, and the number of people in your party. Box office opens 30 minutes prior to curtain; reservations not picked up by five minutes to curtain are subject to cancellation. Groups of 15 or more making advance reservations receive $3 off each ticket in their group; group inquiries should be sent by email to gary@salemtheatre.com.
At the First Church, 316 Essex Street, Salem
This venue has limited handicapped accessibility. Patrons with disabilities that are unable to walk up or down stairs are kindly asked to call the STC in advance at (978) 790-8546 so that appropriate arrangements may be made for them to be able to access the theater.
Show time is approximately 90 minutes, including one 10-minute intermission. The Underpants contains suggestive language and innuendos that may not be appropriate for children.
STC is proud to be a ticketing partner with the following businesses and organizations. Members of the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem Arts Association, Massachusetts Teachers Association, House of the Seven Gables, or the Salem YMCA can show their membership card at the box office to receive a $3 discount off their ticket price. Patrons who dine at Cafe Graziani, Gulu-Gulu, or Capt’s or who stay at the Hawthorne Hotel or Salem Inn the day of the show and show their receipt at the box office will receive a $3 discount off their ticket price. These discounts may not be combined.
Related Programs and Events
Sneak a peek at our Underpants! Open dress preview and sneak peak of the show. Admission is “pay what you will” and advance reservations are not accepted. Wednesday, July 15, curtain at 8:00pm, First Church Salem, 316 Essex Street.
Blush. A special themed show of original visual art by members of the Salem Arts Association, running in conjunction with The Underpants. July 3-26, SAA Gallery, Artists Row, Salem. More information at www.salemartsassociation.org.
Donate for a Discount. Patrons who bring an unopened, new package of at least three pairs of underpants to the box office at any Sunday matinee of The Underpants will receive $8 off their ticket. The collected items will be donated to Salem Mission at the close of the show’s run. This discount applies only to one patron per donation and may not be combined with any other discount.
