Falcon Theater’s production of The Secretary provides two hours of laughter, and months of topics for thought and debate.
Ready…
The Secretary, written by Kyle John Schmidt, is billed as “an offbeat comedy about safety, love, and guns in a world that’s up in arms.” The show is set in a small southern town whose gun factory is the centerpiece of the town’s economy. The owner, Ruby, is driven by a need to give women tools to protect themselves. When gun violence enters the local school, Ruby responds by naming her latest gun after the reluctant hero: “The Secretary.”
As the show progresses, guns start going off all over town. Casualties range from office equipment to spouses. Make no mistake, the situations and justifications in The Secretary are heavy ones. Luckily the audience is given a frequent relief valve of laughter: at office personnel with quirky personalities, absurdist gun commercials and more.
…Aim
Falcon Theater’s production is directed by veteran Claire LaNicca. Although the entire show takes place in Ruby’s office, Ms. LaNicca easily transports us to a generic rural town. The minimalist set highlights the gun designs which are core the concept of the show. The heavy wooden furniture could be from the 1980’s or 2025; these classic lines make it easy to expand the room into a typical rural town where all the stories told take place. The commercials provided during scene changes are one of the highlights of the show- and the tech to enable their airing functions flawlessly.
Raia Harsch brings the main character, Ruby, to life with a delivery that is relatable and enjoyable. We never doubt that Ruby is intelligent, in control and working with the best interests of her town in mind.
Five more ladies round out this powerhouse cast. Whenever Angela Nally steps on stage as Lorrie, be ready for a laugh or a smirk fueled by redneck enthusiasm. Emma McGee and Kayamarie Roll portray the half-sisters, Janelle and April. They bring sincerity and a certain softness to the stage. This is juxtaposed with Christine Gallagher’s portrayal of Brandy. The frustration and anger brought on by her character’s hard life is palatable whether coming through absurdly humorous demands or heartfelt anguish.
And of course, the Secretary. Bekka Eaton plays the local school secretary, Shirly, who’s sugary sweet disposition comes with a sprinkling of judgement. This grandma is more than meets the eye!
…Fire!
The Secretary is a thought-provoking play which is full of tension-relieving laughs. Bring a friend and you will be entertained for an evening, and discussing the plot points for months.
Get Tickets to The Secretary
The Secretary runs for three weekends at Falcon Theater in Newport Kentucky (636 Monmouth Street). Remaining shows are September 20, 25, 26, 27, October 2, 3 & 4, 2025 All performances are at 8:00 PM.
Tickets at $28 for adults and $15 for students. There is a $5 discount for Thursday shows.
Purchase tickets online at https://falcontheater.net/tickets/ (with a $2 processing fee). You may also reserve by phone at (513) 479-6783. Tickets will be held at Will Call for pick-up until 10 minutes before curtain. All phone reservations require pre-payment with a credit card.
