On this Throwback Thursday, I wanted to take a trip down memory lane and highlight the production of my historical farce “Philosophus” by Best Medicine Repertory Theater of Gaithersburg, Maryland.

I have a soft spot in my heart for Best Medicine – founded by playwright John Morogiello, who writes wonderfully clever plays – because Best Medicine, in their inaugural year, was the first theater to take an interest in “Philosophus” and give it a reading in November, 2017, which went very well and highlighted for me how well the piece works.

After “Philosphus” had received its world premiere by Alleyway Theater of Buffalo, NY a little over a year later, John Morogiello reached out to me and said he’d like to produce the show in Best Medicine’s second theatrical season – leading to a wonderful January-February regional premiere of the work with a wonderful cast – almost all of whom (save one) were in the reading.

I had the great pleasure of traveling down to Maryland to watch a few performances of the show and was grateful for many positive reviews:

“A thinking-person’s farce, Philosophus is a perfect fit for the area and a fun way to start the year… a farce to remedy our times… an up and coming work.” (Debbie Minter Jackson of DC Theatre Scene)

“A rib-tickling farce… For those familiar with British comedy, it resembles Benny Hill meets the Enlightenment, or Carry On Philosopher… a very entertaining evening of theater.” (Jennifer Georgia of DC Metro Theater Arts)

“The script is a cross between Mel Brooks (“Young Frankenstein”) and the Marx Brothers (“Duck’s Soup”).  If you love the ridiculous and lots of double entendres, you will have a good time at this production.” (Susan Brall, MD Theatre Guide)