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Paradox Players Present 'One Slight Hitch'

Before embarking on a long and successful career as a standup comedian, Lewis Black had another, less successful, career as a playwright. One of the plays he wrote during that time, One Slight Hitch, has recently seen a resurgence in popularity decades after its creation. After being performed at a handful of theaters across the country in recent months, it's now making its Austin premiere thanks to the folks at Paradox Players.

Set in 1981, the play is now a period piece; it's set in the early days of America's Reagan years and centered on a suburban conservative family. Hours before Delia (played by Mary Kennelly) is to be wed, the family is subjected to a surprise visit from her ex-boyfriend Ryan (Bobby DiPasquale), and the action of the play is set in motion.

If you're familiar with Black's standup (or his frequent appearances on The Daily Show,) One Slight Hitch is likely not what you'd expect from him. It's got less in common with Black's comedic persona than it does with classic American romantic comedies -- structurally, it shares a bit with The Philadelphia Story. Paradox Players artistic director Gary Payne (who plays Doc, the father of the bride) calls the play "an American farcical comedy," noting that it features "lots of closed doors, missed identities, [and] hiding people in closets and bathrooms."

One Slight Hitch is directed by Matthew Burnett and runs through May 22 at Howson Hall Theater.

Mike is the production director at KUT, where he’s been working since his days as an English major at the University of Texas. He produces Arts Eclectic, Get Involved, and the Sonic ID project, and also produces videos and cartoons for KUT.org. When pressed to do so, he’ll write short paragraphs about himself in the third person, but usually prefers not to.
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