By L Edington
Two words describing the Shoestring Players presentation of "Born Yesterday" are “power and corruption," explained director Rich Robinson, although power and corruption can only describe one side. "It's a comedy, but also really romantic," added Robinson.
Written by Garson Kanin, “Born Yesterday” is the story of junkman Harry Brock—a vulgar, egotistic—and his uneducated showgirl girlfriend Billie. Harry Brock and Billie travel to Washington to make crooked deals with government hotshots. However, due to Billie's lack of social grace, Harry hires a newspaper man named Paul to teach her proper etiquette and ends up getting more than he bargained for.
"It's a great show and I have a wonderful cast," Robinson remarked. The main cast is Xavier Hernandez (Harry Brock), Christina Landrum (Billie), Nic Everett (Paul), Nelson Weston (Devery), and Drew Caldwell (Senator Hedges). The supporting roles are Kim Jackson (Mrs. Hedges), Conrad Bromberek (Eddie), Richard Mahler (Assistant Manager), Ahsha Daniels (Helen), Daniel Gorski (Bellhop and waiter), Vali Nashat (Bellhop), Simone Winn (Barber), Tiffany Marler (Manicurist), and Stephen Shuler (Bootblack).
"Rehearsals are going really fast," said Robinson. The show will be performed in the HPAC theatre Feb. 26-28 at 8 p.m. as well as Mar. 1 at 1 p.m. General admission is $5 and student admission is $4. To purchase tickets, call the USC Upstate Box Office, Monday-Friday from 1-5 p.m. at (864) 503-5695.