Curtains up! Boca Stage 2024-2025 season has arrived with the introduction of “Sidekicked,” an illuminating exploration of one of American television’s most iconic characters, Vivian Vance. The production will run from Sept. 19-29 in the Cabaret Theater at Delray Beach Playhouse.
Vance, often regarded as TV’s most beloved “second banana,” portrayed America’s favorite neighbor, Ethel Mertz, in the popular 1950s hit show “I Love Lucy,” alongside the legendary Lucille Ball. Despite the show’s massive success, being typecast as Lucy’s housecoat-wearing sidekick took a personal toll on Vance throughout her career.
“In this fascinating and in-depth character play, we meet an exciting and vibrant woman who did not at all resemble the frumpy Ethel she made famous. Long before her television career, Vance was well known as a comedic actress, showgirl and singer who worked with major stars like Ethel Merman, Jimmy Durante and Bob Hope,” says Genie Croft, the production’s director. “Vivian was plagued by terrible bouts of depression and insecurities and worries about the loss of her own identity. She once said, ‘When I die, there will be people who send Ethel Mertz flowers.’ She was deeply afraid of losing her mind and was one of the first celebrities to speak openly about mental illness.”
The play is set on the last night filming “I Love Lucy,” where Vance, portrayed by award-winning actress Irene Adjan, opens up about the personal struggles that burdened her for years.
“Ethel Mertz is a character so many people grew up knowing and loving,” Adjan says. “However, very few people can tell you anything about the wonderful actress who played her — Vivian Vance. I’ve been surprised at how many people — upon my sharing that I’d be doing this play — couldn’t even recall her real name, which is one of the things that plagued Vivian her entire career post ‘I Love Lucy.’ Vivian was an astounding comedian, a really complicated person and seeing this play will be a great opportunity for people to learn and be surprised by how much they don’t know about someone they feel they know so well!”
The season marks a new chapter for Boca Stage as it brings its entire lineup for the first time to Delray Beach Playhouse, looking to expand Boca Stage’s seating capacity to 140 seats.
“I am so pleased that Irene Adjan will be creating this iconic character,” Croft adds. “Irene has the profound ability to bring to life the many facets of Vivian Vance, and to create the behind-the-scenes stories of the show and its dynamics, feuds and friendships.”
For tickets and more information, visit delraybeachplayhouse.com.
Photo by Amy Pasquantonio
Irene Adjan as Vivian Vance