Crazy Comedy

“Unnecessary Farce” is a side-splitting comedy by Chicago actor and playwright Paul Slade Smith. Conklin’s was one of the first productions of this show, and the Barn crew is very excited to be bringing it back for a limited engagement.

The show is a nonstop riot from start to finish. Two likeable but incompetent cops are operating way out of their league by trying to catch a supposedly crooked mayor in an illegal money exchange.

Aided by the mayor’s shy accountant who has a penchant for dropping her drawers, they unknowing catch themselves on camera instead of the culprit.

Add the mayor’s seemingly innocent wife, a terrified bodyguard, a bagpipe playing Scottish hit man whose brogue gets thicker the angrier he gets, two adjoining hotel rooms, and eight doors a slammin’ for a night of laughter.

“Unnecessary Farce” has so many  twists, turns, and mix-ups that audience members will be shaking their heads and holding their sides as they try to keep up.

Director Mary Simon, who plays the Mayor’s wife Mary Meekly, has a terrific comedy line-up of Barn suspects to bring this outrageous show to life including Bob Lane Jr. as Mayor Meekly, Pat Gaik as Scottish hit-man Todd, Dan Challacombe as security agent Frank, John Johnson as policeman Eric, Miranda Axsom as the strip-teasing accountant Karen and April Wyant as rookie officer Billie Dwyer.
 Set design is by April Wyant, and publicity is by Pat Gaik.

Conklin’s Barn II is known for its delicious buffet which, on evening performances, includes four main entrees featuring the Barn’s renowned prime rib and fried chicken, with salad, homemade soup and cheese spread, and a choice of four taste-tempting, homemade desserts. 

Prices for dinner and show are $33 on Thursday evening, $35 on Friday evening and Sunday brunch, and $37 on Saturday evening, including tax.  No advance payment is required.

Conklin’s is also BYOB for wine, beer or cocktails.  Glasses, ice and ice buckets are provided at no extra charge.