One Man, Two Guvnors by Richard Bean exploded onto the New York Theatre scene for a limited engagement in 2012 having transferred from London’s West End; the UK’s Broadway equivalent. This play took American Theatre by storm earning three Drama Desk, three Outer Circle Awards, and seven Tony Nominations, including the win for Best Actor. Tony Award winner James Corden’s quick wit, ability to interact with the audience, and keen improvisation skills did not go unnoticed. This play’s unique structure was the catalyst in his becoming the host of The Late-Late Show and an international star.

   The play itself is a “modern” retelling of The Servant of Two Masters by the Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni. This 1746 masterpiece is part of the canon of dramatic literature although it is rarely produced today. Goldoni originally wrote the play at the request of Antonio Sacchi, who was one of the great Harlequins in history when Commedia dell'arte was at the height of its popularity. Commedia is an improvised comedic performance populated with stock characters who each have very specific attributes that break into three categories: Zanni (servants), Innamorati (lovers), and Vecchio (masters). Each type of Zanni has separate and unique attributes that are recognizable to the audience, Harlequin perhaps being the most popular. The same is true for the types of Innamorati, like Colombina, and the Vecchio like Pantalone and Il Dottore.

   When these character types are put together in a lazzi (hijinks) we get different types of improvised comedy from these situations. Many television comedies and movies from How I Met Your Mother, Friends, Married with Children, Sponge Bob, The Black Adder , and Benny Hill (just to name a few) all follow the character archetypes established by Commedia dell'arte. The Servant of Two Masters is cited as being a transitional work piece that incorporates this artform while simultaneously moving away from improvised lazzi embracing a structured storyline. The Servant of Two Masters , uses direct audience engagement while it follows a linear climactic storyline utilizing the identity of pre-established character archetypes as part of its construction. One Man, Two Guvnors unabashedly steals from this original 18th century play.

   Just as the Lovers flee Florence for Turin in The Servant of Two Masters , the Lovers in One Man, Two Guvnors flee London for the British seaside town of Brighton. This play is purposefully set in 1963 because the playwright believed this period to show similar societal changes that were taking place in Florence in the 1740s. The 1960s was an era of increased social change that coincided with increased artistic experimentation. This period was also marked by an infatuation with the crime syndicate (Kray twins in the UK and the novel The Godfather in the US), with the criminal element providing a reason for the lovers to flee London.

   We who pursue careers in live entertainment owe homage to Commedia dell’arte. It is my hope through this production, to celebrate this genre and educate the students and the public our program serves. I also really wanted to have fun along the way and this hilarious play is a perfect specimen for creating joy in story-telling, which, at its very core is the spirit of Commedia dell’arte.

-Lee Soroko

Anthony Blatter+ (Francis Henshall) is a native of St Louis, MO, but now resides in Boca Raton, FL, as a second-year MFA candidate at Florida Atlantic University and holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Missouri. Some FAU credits include “Wangel” in The Lady from the Sea , “Brucie/Evan” in Sweat , and “Flick” in Violet .

Zach Marullo+ (Stanley Stubbers) is a graduate student at Florida Atlantic University. Recent credits at FAU include “Jason” in Sweat , “Eddie” in The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 and “Lyngstrand” in The Lady from The Sea. Zach plans to Direct and act professionally after graduation.

Cait Siobhan Kiley*+ (Rachel Crabbe) is an actress, writer, singer, and cinnamon roll-enthusiast. She has worked nationally and internationally as an actress on tour, in regional theaters, and most recently aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines. BFA University of Arizona, Tucson. Immense gratitude to family and chosen family. For Daddoo. CaitKiley.com

Raymond Adderly III ( Harry Dangle ) who is a BFA in Musical Theatre student. His recent credits include: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee ( William Barfeé), Spring Awakening (Georg/ Associate Director), Pastry Village(Huckleberry Knight), The Legacy of Oz ( The Lion), and Little Shop of Horrors ( Seymour Krelborn). He would like to thank his girlfriend, friends and family for their unwavering support!

Jorge Pie (Charlie Clench) is BA Theatre major and is ecstatic to be in his second mainstage show at FAU! FAU Credits: Spring Awakening and 9 to 5: The Musical. Previous credits include: A Bright Room Called Day, Dramatic Moments 2019 and Both Sides of the Story . He wants to thank his mother, father and sister for supporting him and he wants to give a HUGE shoutout to his first acting professor, Katherine Valli!

Joel Rodriguez+ (Lloyd Boateng) is a second-year Dominican American MFA Acting candidate from Kansas City, Missouri. He finds joy in composing, cooking, and reading about history. He’d like to thank his partner in life, Aubrey, for her endless support. Credits include: Oscar in Sweat and Dr. Arnholm in Lady from the Sea. www.joelrodrig.com

Daniela Moon (Pauline Clench) is a BFA Musical Theatre Major at FAU. Her recent credits include Hilde ( Lady from the Sea ), Val ( A Chorus Line ), Sunny Freitag ( The Last Night of Ballyhoo ), and Seasons of Love soloist ( Rent ). She is so excited to be starring in her 5th production at FAU as Pauline Clench and would like to thank the whole cast, crew, SM team, and Lee Soroko for making this show possible. She would also like to thank her friends and family for all their support!

Marques Decade (Alan) is a Junior BFA Theatre major and is thrilled to be a part of his second production at FAU. He was seen in Pastry Village (Jolly the Rancher). Previous credits also include The Tempest (Stephano) and Aw, Wilderness (Richard Miller). He hopes you enjoy the show!

Allie Gladstone (Dolly) is a senior BFA in Performance Theatre major and is so excited to be a part of her sixth production at FAU. Her favorite credits include The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 (Nikki Crandall), The Wolves (#00), Polaroid Stories (Semele), as well as Antigone Now (Antigone). Allie is very proud to be a part of this production. She hopes you all enjoy it as much as she does.

Quinlan Lowe (Gareth) is a business major who is relatively new to the theatre scene. He has previously done Much Ado About Nothing (Friar Francis) by William Shakespeare. His dream job is working as a voice actor. He hopes you have a great time with this show.

Trevor Gill (Alfie) is a BFA Performance major, and this is his fourth semester at FAU. He has been seen at FAU as "SKINHEADboy" in Polaroid Stories , "Tourist" (and male understudy) in The Lady from the Sea , and most recently “Andrew Aguecheek” in Twelfth Night . He's immensely grateful and excited to bring this story to life !

R. Owen Alonso (Cabbie/Barman/Cop 2) is a junior at FAU double-majoring in Theater Studies and Film, Video & New Media. He previously play e d “Leaf Coneybear” in FAU’s production of  The  25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Before this, he performed in theater productions of HONK! & Be More Chill . He would like to thank his family and friends for their continuous love and support.

Elizabeth Shelby-Davis (Lady with Baby) is a junior studying for a BFA in Musical Theatre. She is so excited to be in her first mainstage show at FAU! She was seen in Legacy of Oz (Elphaba) and was the ASM in The BUTC’s production of Spring Awakening! She would like to thank her family but especially her mom for supporting her through everything.

Tayia Lombardi (Cop 1) is a senior who is double majoring in Film and Theatre. She is excited to be part of another production at FAU. Her previous credits include The Lady from the Sea (Tourist, U/S Bolette), Godspell (Gilmer), Kodachrome (The Librarian), and The Wizard of Oz (Flying Monkey). She wants to give a shoutout to her loving family who traveled from various states to come support her in this show.

Anna Fox (Understudy - All Roles) is a Sophomore BFA in Musical Theatre major and is over the moon to be a part of her first ever mainstage production at FAU. Previous credits include Pastry Village (Apple Knight), Hairspray (Ensemble), and Something Rotten Jr. (Ensemble).

Cate Gonzalez (Run Crew) is in her second year as a BFA Musical Theatre major. Her recent credits include Assistant Stage Manager for Twelfth Night and 9 to 5 The Musical. You may have also seen her in Spring Awakening and The Legacy of Oz with The Collective here at FAU. 

Kimberly Wilkinson (Run Crew) is a sophomore studying Multimedia with a minor in Theater. She is excited to be part of another production here after running the light board for 9 to 5 last semester. 

Lin Assunção (Dresser) is a Theatre Design and Tech major and is excited to work on their first production at FAU! They hope you enjoyed the show.

Daryan Lyew-Ayee (Dresser) has previously been in the FAU production Violet as various ensemble characters. He is excited to learn more about the different aspects of tech and theatre in general!

Olivia Beebe (Assistant Stage Manager) is a graduating senior in the BFA Musical Theatre Program. She previously was the assistant stage manager for  Sweat , and some recent acting credits include  The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee  (Olive Ostrovsky),  Spring Awakening  (Anna / fight captain), and  A Chorus Line (Bebe). Olivia is excited to help put on this deeply weird, deeply British show with such a great team!  

Gabi Guzman (Light Board Operator) is a junior BFA in Theatre Technology and Design major and this will be her first production at FAU. She has worked productions outside of FAU including Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour, WWE Smackdown and The Peppa Pig Tour. She hopes you enjoy the show.

Amalia Phend (Hair and Makeup Design/Wardrobe Head)  is a second-year student in the BFA Theatre Design and Technology program. You may have seen Amalia’s work this past semester, as Costume Designer for BUTC’s  Spring Awakening .   Enjoy the show!