My Friend Irma live on stage this weekend

LEAMINGTON – The Bank Theatre is set to once again feature episodes of the hit radio sitcom “My Friend Irma” with two brand new, hilarious chapters, “Thanksgiving Turkey” and “The Redhead.”

The production runs at The Bank Theatre from Friday, October 22 through to Sunday, October 24 with both evening and matinee shows.

My Friend Irma premiered on CBS radio from 1947 to 1953. Created by Cy Howard, the radio show was so popular in the late 1940s that its success escalated into films, television, a comic strip, and a comic book.

“My Friend Irma” tells the story of an extremely dim-witted stenographer named Irma Peterson, played by Jennifer Blom, and the daily high-jinx that she gets into with her screwy friends. One of Irma’s best friends was her logical and very dependable roommate and narrator of the show, Jane Stacy, played by Allison Still.

The two new episodes feature local and well-known actors Jennifer Blom, Allison Still, Jamie Flannery, Lyn Still, Rick Taves and Corey Robertson. Live foley (sound effects) are produced on stage by Scott Berry and music is provided by Roger Hewett of Cirque du Soleil fame.

In “Thanksgiving Turkey”, Irma brings home a turkey, a live turkey, her pet, but Jane is planning on having the turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. The plot AND the gravy thickens as everyone decides if the turkey is a pet or Thanksgiving dinner.

Allison Still (Jane Stacy), left, and Jennifer Blom (Irma Peterson) will perform at The Bank Theatre this weekend in My Friend Irma.

Photo by Sharon Light

“The Redhead” is about Jane’s insane and silly jealousy over a new redheaded secretary in the office.

The first episodes of “My Friend Irma” received wonderful reviews including a review from patrons Richard and Dorothy Poisson who said, “Allison Still did a super job of acting and also directing an exceptionally talented cast, including ‘on stage’ music and sound effects. You will enjoy a talented cast, along with light-hearted and humorous entertainment, which is just what we need now.”

“I am very excited to have another two episodes of ‘My Friend Irma’ on our stage, after such rave reviews of the first two episodes in September,” said President Corey Robertson. “This witty and charming radio play will delight and entertain theatre goers of all ages. The Bank Theatre is committed to staging quality performances in our community, while strictly adhering to protocols mandated by local and provincial guidelines in the reopening of Ontario.”

The Bank Theatre is located at 10 Erie St. S., Leamington. Covid-19 regulations apply.

Tickets must be purchased in advance and are only available online. To purchase a ticket or for other information about dates, times and safety protocols go to banktheatre.com