Murray Burns stood on New York's Park Avenue in the early morning shouting: "All right, all you rich people: Everybody out in the street for volleyball."
It was one of his many harebrained ideas in 1962, when he was newly unemployed and single, floating through New York City checking items off his bucket list.
But he is forced to change his plans and his lifestyle after gaining custody of his 10-year-old nephew, Nick.
This is the story told in the Live Theatre Workshop's production of "A Thousand Clowns." Directed by Missie Scheffman, this Herb Gardner play had three successful Broadway runs.
"It appeals to such a wide range of audiences because it is a universal and timeless comedy," Scheffman said. "It's funny, heartwarming and relatable."
The free-spirited Murray, played by Cliff Madison, finds himself surrounded by social workers questioning his abilities to raise his sister's precocious son, played by Kyle Everly.
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"Cliff is a veteran of the Live Theatre Workshop, and I think this is going to be one of his best performances," Scheffman said. "This is Kyle's first time on the Live Theatre stage, but I'm really excited to see him become a breakout star."
As the social-services investigation continues, bonds develop not only between the uncle and his nephew, but also between the uncle and a particular social worker, played by Shanna Brock.
Before long, the tables turn and Murray finds himself solving other people's problems. However, it doesn't take long for him to realize that he has only a few options of his own: go back to work or lose his nephew.
"A Thousand Clowns" was written in 1962 and had a film debut in 1965, but the live performance offers an intimate angle unique to theater.
"In film, you lose the intimacy," Scheffman said. "The play offers deeper character development and allows you to see the little character idiosyncrasies."
IF YOU GO
• What: "A Thousand Clowns."
• Presented by: Live Theatre Workshop.
• When: Previews 7:30 p.m. Thursday and next Friday (admission $12). Regular performances 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from July 31 through Aug. 29; 3 p.m. Sunday matinees. Opening night features a post-show reception with the cast.
• Where: Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway.
• Cost: $15 to $18 by calling 327-4242.
• Cast: Cliff Madison, Shanna Brock, Kyle Everly, Michael Woodson, Andrew Wolverton and Rick Shipman.
• Running time: two hours, with one 15-minute intermission.
Erica Coleman is a University of Arizona student who is apprenticing at the Star. Contact her at 573-4128 or at starapprentice@azstarnet.com
