It’s been described as a cross between I Love Lucy and Some Like It Hot.
Love, Sex and the IRS – a typically breathless ’70s farce by popular U.S. writing partners Bill Van Zandt and Jane Millmore – proves that tax investigations can be funny… if only in the confines of a theatre.
The Royal Canadian Theatre Company production, directed by co-founder and artistic director Ellie King, comes to Surrey Arts Centre for three performances this week – Friday (March 18) at 8 p.m. and Saturday (March 19) at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Jon (Kurtis Maguire) and Leslie (Julian Legere) are two chronically underemployed musicians in New York City who share the same apartment in a building that does not allow unmarried couples. Jon’s fiance, Kate (Katherine Alpen) has been dallying with Leslie, causing him to neglect his girlfriend Connie (Elyse Raible).
As if that’s not complicated enough, Jon has been filling out his and Leslie’s tax returns – and to save money has been claiming Leslie as his female spouse. Cue the arrival of tax inspector Floyd (RCTC comedy regular Sam Gordon) who wants to meet them both – and the only solution seems to be to put Leslie into women’s clothing.
Naturally, hilarious complications pile on – including an unexpected visit by Jon’s mother Vivian (versatile White Rock actress Jane Mantle), the snooping of nosy building superintendent Jensen (reliable local farceur Pat McDermott) and the presence of a shady justice of the peace (Kevin Sloan).
The venue is located at 13750–88 Avenue; tickets ($28, $18 seniors and students under 14) are available from the box office, 604-501-5566, or online at tickets.surrey.ca
