Preview of the University’s Opera Theatre production, “Lucky Stiff” 

University of Louisiana at Lafayette students will stage the fast-paced musical, “Lucky Stiff,” a blend of farce, British murder mystery and comedy. It is being directed by Shawn Roy, director of Opera and Musical Theatre Activities and professor in the School of Music. 

The production brings together students from across the performing arts to present a show filled with exaggerated characters, quick timing and constant comic movement. 

Farce centers on improbable situations, physical comedy, exaggeration and rapid pacing. Its roots trace back to medieval Europe, when humorous scenes were added to religious plays to give audiences a break from serious storytelling. 

Over time, farce developed into a recognizable genre defined by chaotic action and physical humor. The tradition went on to influence films like “Home Alone,” “Dumb and Dumber” and “The Hangover.” 

“Lucky Stiff ” uses these elements fully and presents a show expected to be chaotically fun and full of life. The musical brings together fast action, irreverent jokes and off-beat humor, supported by a score inspired by both British comedy and classic musical theater. The tone relies on characters who make bold choices and react in big, exaggerated ways. 

The plot centers on Harry, an ordinary Englishman who discovers he has inherited millions from his late Uncle Anthony. To claim the money, he must carry out an unusual set of instructions. He is required to take his uncle’s corpse, seated upright in a wheelchair, on a trip from England to Monte Carlo. The comic tension builds as Harry tries to complete the task without drawing attention. 

Harry is then chased by Rita, the former lover of Uncle Anthony. Rita’s husband was scammed for $6 million, and she believes the inheritance should have gone to her family. She begins her own frantic hunt for Harry. Rita is chased by her brother, who is trying to avoid being charged for the crime related to her deceased lover. The chase forms a chain of confusion that sets the tone for the musical. 

As the characters rush through Monte Carlo, they meet strange and unpredictable people. Each new character adds another level of misunderstanding and physical comedy. Visual gags, mistaken identities and unexpected twists create a series of scenes that grow more exaggerated as the story continues. The recurring image of the corpse in a wheelchair adds an extra layer of absurd humor. 

The musical is inspired by the 1892 novel, “The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo,” by Michael Butterworth. The book drew from the life of Charles Wells, an infamous gambler and embezzler. 

Wells became known for repeatedly breaking the bank at Monte Carlo. At that time, each gambling table held a reserve of 100,000 francs. When someone won more than that amount, the game stopped so the casino could restock the table. It was rare and sensational, which made Wells a famous figure. 

Although the atmosphere of the novel helped shape the musical, none of “Lucky Stiff ” is based directly on Wells’ story. The creators Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty used the setting and the high-stakes energy to build a fictional tale filled with gambling, murder, a heart in a box and millions of dollars on the line. The tone aims for exaggerated tension, unusual timing and unpredictable surprises. 

The University’s production is a collaboration between the School of Music and the School of Dance and Theatre. It features 16 student performers and a four-piece live band, which adds to the energy and pacing of the show. Students from both musical and theatrical backgrounds work together to bring the story’s farce style to life. 

“There is a four piece band with live music led by Dr. Kevin Martin, who is an adjunct faculty in the school of music,” Roy said. The score by Tony Award winning composer Stephen Flaherty gives the show its quirky rhythms and fast musical cues. 

Roy selected “Lucky Stiff ” because he appreciated the score, enjoyed the fast and silly plot and believed the characters would give students strong and challenging roles. He also believed the community would welcome a comedy, saying that, “In our day and age with all the drama with our government and society in general, a comedy would be a welcome change.” 

If students decide to attend the play, they should look out for the nightmare scene in Act II. “There are so many moments I enjoy from this show,” Roy said, “But one of the special ones is the nightmare scene which was great fun to put together, and I think visually will be the most exciting and silliest thing in the show.” 

The production uses fast movement, physical humor and heightened character choices to capture the spirit of farce. Students work with precise timing, bold reactions and musical coordination to keep the comedy sharp from beginning to end. 

“Lucky Stiff ” will be performed at Burke-Hawthorne Hall Theatre on Nov. 21 and Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 23 at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite for $24.09. 

All UL Lafayette students, faculty and staff get their tickets for free with their UL ID. 

The show aims to offer audiences a lively night of farcical comedy, exaggerated excitement and nonstop surprises.