Theater director, Jerry Brees, delivers a healthy serving of hysterical antics to open up the USAG-Italy Soldier’s Theater 2024-2025 season. “Ultimate Laughter” is a production consisting of six well-selected short adult comedies that capture a slice of life, sprinkled with a touch of the absurd, a dash of culture, and chock full of fun-filled surprises. Setting the mood for each individual show, the cleverly chosen music ushers audience members into the individual scenes before the lights even come up.

First on the menu, Marissa E. Blake puts her talents as the local choreographer on the back burner to undertake both her directorial debut and premiere of her very own 10-minute play, “Let’s Unpack.” In this performance, a couple’s communication challenges need to make a “swift” change in direction. With highlights from Chris Cassell’s dance moves, this cast starts the laughter flowing.

Speaking of moves, SSG Page Sevilla makes his acting debut in a hokey-pokey-style effort to keep his options open as he meets an equally opportunist woman, played by Terrie Tilotta, in “An Untimely Maneuver.”

If you have an intense craving to meet your fancy, Leah Waller in Karina Beretich’s directorial debut of “A Mustache and a Mattress” can relate. Her motivation to find the right fit for her appetite leave Alphonso Ortiz’s grooming techniques and wardrobe choices to be admired.

While a fine Italian wine needs time to breath, the exquisite stuffiness of Tyler Freeman and Mike Leahy do not allow for this as their 1^st class pairing will leave you in stitches with their ridiculous elitism in “Unsinkable.” Couple them with a well performed common-sense maid (Cheryl Clark’s debut) and this one is a winner.

If a taste for the exotic is sought, the colorful, enthusiastic and eager performance by Julia Lightfoot helps navigate to the heart’s desire in “Arabian Nights”. Her unique set of skills for interpretation set this dynamic trio, to include David Presnell and Carolyn Van Deventer, up for tons of laughter from the audience.

And what experience is complete without a main dish? CeLyna Chilchester makes her directorial debut a success, as she honors this writer by bringing the premiere of “Penne” to life on stage. The ensemble seamlessly creates a delectable combination of physical comedy with well-timed and emphasized wording to capture the mishaps of a self-proclaimed Duolingo master, played by Chelsea Shouppe. With fits of laughter from the audience, Tim Culpepper debuts successfully alongside Shouppe and fellow castmates, LaQuita Deans and Jeremy Cates to make one spicy, fun situation.

This series of shows, offering stories from the absurd nature of wild obsessions to trying new things, when in Rome style, are clearly as enjoyable to these talented actors and directors as they are to their audiences. I had the opportunity to speak to cast members, including newcomer SSG Sevilla, who spoke volumes of Brees’ leadership style and how empowered they were to learn and grow under his theater direction. It is clear that Brees embodies a theater environment that lives up to Army Entertainment’s mission of providing “commercial entertainment, theatrical and musical programs support our mission to improve and enrich the quality of life for all members of the U.S. military community.”

The “Ultimate Laughter” is a perfect pairing with any drink, from a glass of Italian vino to water! Join the audience this coming weekend and enjoy a show! Saluti!

Note: This show contains adult language and situations not suitable for young children.

Performance Dates:

• Sept. 27, 2024, 7:30 p.m.

• Sept. 28, 2024, 7:30 p.m

• Sept. 29, 2024, 2:00 p.m

• Oct. 4, 2024, 7:30 p.m

• Oct. 5, 2024, 7:30 p.m

• Oct. 6, 2024, 2:00 p.m

Reservations available by email: gerald.s.brees.naf@army.mil

Tickets: $15 Adults/$12 Students

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