SPQR Stage Co.’s fourth annual Kentucky Derby celebration, "Derby Day," brings a little bit of Churchill Downs to Somers Point on Saturday.
The original screenplay by the company's artistic director, Bill Sterritt, is set during a fictional Kentucky Derby, and is now an annual tradition on the day of the derby.
The plot involves three horse-racing syndicates: the Derby’s most famous horse trainer, the last of the Kentucky bluegrass breeders, and a female owner and horse team.
It's infused with comedy as the audience learns which syndicate may not reach the finish line financially, which jockeys may or may not be in love and, culminating with an uproarious horse race, who will win the “Run for the Roses.”
“‘Derby Day’ has become an exciting annual tradition here in Somers Point,” said Sterritt, whose mission is to steer audiences away from “safe” or “unoriginal” theater. “It really helps kick off a day of great race-themed events in town and audiences enjoy making this hilarious production part of their overall Derby Weekend celebrations.”
The show begins at 2 p.m. on the day of the horse race from Kentucky, where the main event is scheduled to go off between 6 and 7 p.m.
Sterritt received the second place award at the South Coast Repertory Play Contest and was a finalist at the Eugene O'Neill National Playwrights Conference for “Derby Day,” which also finished in the top 20 percent at the Austin Film Festival competition in 2021.
Guests are encouraged to dress in their “Derby best” as they watch this romantic comedy progress, one humorous lap at a time.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.com or at the door. It can also be enjoyed virtually via a live-stream for $20 at StudioSpaceSPNJ.com.
Free parking is available in the adjacent lot, and guests may BYOB.
For information and reservations, call 323-793-2153 or email spqrstageco@aol.com.
Studio;space is at 112 Woodland Ave. in Somers Point, across from The Crab Trap.
