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Curtain Lifts On 'What The Butler Saw' At Westport Country Playhouse

WESTPORT, Conn. -- Blackmail and lots of sexual innuendo comprise a comedy about to take stage in Westport.

“What the Butler Saw” at Westport Country Playhouse features, from left, seated, Sarah Manton, Patricia Kalember; standing, Paxton Whitehead, Julian Gamble, Robert Stanton, Chris Ghaffari and director John Tillinger.

“What the Butler Saw” at Westport Country Playhouse features, from left, seated, Sarah Manton, Patricia Kalember; standing, Paxton Whitehead, Julian Gamble, Robert Stanton, Chris Ghaffari and director John Tillinger.

Photo Credit: Peter Chenot

"What the Butler Saw" by Joe Orton (director is John Tillinger, who led productions in London and New York) opened Tuesday and runs until Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Westport Country Playhouse.

Dr. Prentice, a psychiatrist in an exclusive, private clinic, is attempting to interview, and seduce, an attractive would-be secretary. As part of his unconventional interview technique, he asks her to undress. When the doctor’s wife makes an unexpected visit, he must hide the unclad girl, and the chaos begins. 

The show premiered in London in 1969. The New York production later won an Obie Award. 

“We are indeed privileged to have as the play’s director John Tillinger, the go-to authority on interpreting Orton comedies,” said Mark Lamos, Playhouse artistic director.

The cast includes Julian Gamble as Sergeant Match, Chris Ghaffari as Nicholas Beckett, Sarah Manton as Geraldine Barclay, Robert Stanton as Dr. Prentice and Paxton Whitehead as Dr. Rance. 

Performances are Tuesdays at 7 p.m.; Wednesdays at 2 and 8 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 3 p.m.

For tickets ($30) and more information, visit www.westportplayhouse.org; call or visit the box office, 203-227-4177. 

The Playhouse is at 25 Powers Court, Westport.

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