'Big Pants and Botox' comes to Sheldon

“Big Pants and Botox,” a one-woman comedy that’s been a big hit in the United Kingdom, will make its United States premier at 7 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Sheldon Theatre.

Being chosen for the show’s American debut was a stroke of good fortune, according Sheldon Executive Director Sean Dowse, who quipped, “We’re kind of special.”

The Sheldon has worked for years with Entertainment Events Inc., a New York-based company that previously brought Minnesota such hits as the “Late Nite Catechism” series and “Tony N Tina’s Wedding.”

“They have a real good nose for talent, and for comedy,” Dowse said.

When “Big Pants” became available late in the booking season, he checked out clips and reviews and quickly signed up.

“It’s hilarious,” Dowse said. During Britain’s equivalent of an Off-Broadway tour, the show got great audience response — prompting them to consider a U.S. tour.

Written by Louise Roche, who also is credited with the hit “Girls Night,” the comedy takes audience on an emotional roller-coaster ride celebrating Barbara’s 50th birthday.

The Liverpool Echo called it “a funny, moving and ultimately uplifting story of one woman’s refusal to slide gently into middle age.” According to the Manchester Evening News, ”Louise Roche has an instinctive understanding of what makes women tick.”

The significant birthday got Barbra thinking about things such as the merits of big pants and Botox.

“If you have to empty your bladder before joining the kids on the trampoline, and it’s a few years since you’ve had an uninterrupted view of your feet, you won’t want to miss” the play, according to a press release.

Appearing as Barbara is Kim Richards, who performs regularly in the “Late Nite Catechism” series. She has toured the country, from Atlantic City to St. Paul’s Ordway, and from Charlotte, N.C., to her home city San Francisco.

A Catholic high school graduate, Richards has performed in a variety of capacities, including dancer, illusionist, aerialist at Circus Circus in Reno, Nev., and comedienne, in addition to numerous credits on the live stage. She has directed and choreographed shows which were Fringe Festival hits in San Francisco and New York.

Although the focus of “Big Pants and Botox” is a woman, Dowse said, “It’s for both genders — they all will have a good time.”

Comedies are playing a prominent role in this year’s Sheldon schedule. “Capitol Steps” was a crowd-pleaser in September, he pointed out, and “Late Nite Catechism” returns in February with a new show, “Las Vegas: Sister Rolls the Dice.”

“People seem to like comedies,” Dowse said, so when the opportunity arose to book some likely shows, “we took advantage of them.”

Tickets to “Big Pants” are $27.50 for adults, $17.50 for students. Call 651-388-8700 or 800-899-5759 or go online to www.sheldontheatre.org.

If you go…

What: ‘Big Pants and Botox’

When: 7 p.m. Nov. 10

Where: Sheldon Theatre

Cost: $27.50 adults, $17.50 students

More info: 651-388-8700 or www.sheldontheatre.org

Tags: arts and entertainment, red wing, lifestyle, entertainment