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A day with the "Guys on Ice" at the Armory

JANESVILLE — "Guys On Ice," by Fred Alley and James Kaplan, takes the stage as the spring production at the Armory Restaurants and Dinner Theater through May 2. Spend a day in the life of Marvin and Lloyd, two fishing buddies and home-grown philosophers, and learn about the subculture of all things Wisconsin.

With a wind chill on the lake -36 degrees, Marvin's ice fishing shanty is the perfect refuge for him and his friend Lloyd. With plenty of Leinie's and all the time in the world to tend to their holes in the ice, the two pass the time observing a bit about fish, life, death and their troubles. Lloyd's marriage is on the rocks, and lonely Marvin is sweet on the checkout girl at the Pick 'n Save. A TV fishing show host is due to visit the shanty, but he's late. So they pass the time with songs and a veritable barrage of jokes about fishing, bait, cooking fish and the most delectable part of the fish (which is, understandably, 'da strip from da back') ensuring that the audience keeps on laughing. Written in a dialect derived from part Yooper, Minnesotan and Chicagoan, the show's brisk pace still allows Lloyd and Marvin time to offer frequent praise of "dose Packers."

Directed by Scott Michaels, the cast includes Jace Nichols as Marvin, Dave Adamick as Lloyd, Ryan Stutz as Ernie the Moocher and Brett J. Frazier as Swing for all three roles.

This three-man musical comedy began as a co-production between the American Folklore Theatre in Door County and the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, with book and lyrics written by the late Fred Alley. Alley was co-founder of the American Folklore Theatre and wrote many of their most popular shows, including "Goodnight Irene," "Old Friends" and "Lumberjacks in Love." Before his death, he collaborated on a musical theater version of the movie "The Spitfire Grill" that opened at the George Street Playhouse in New Jersey. "Guys on Ice" was conceived and researched by Alley and Frederick Heide.

Kaplan is the co-author, with Alley, of "Lumberjacks in Love," "The Bachelors," "and Guys on Ice." He last appeared at the Milwaukee Rep in "Guys on Ice" in the Stiemke Theatre.

He also served as the musical director for Milwaukee Rep's productions of Goodnight Irene and Old Friends. Kaplan has been creating original musical with Door County's American Folklore Theatre for over fifteen years. His most recent AFT shows include "Fish and Whistle: The Songs of John Prine," "Loose Lips Sink Ships" and "See Jane Vote," created with collaborator Laurie Flanigan.

All tickets include an elegant dinner and a professional performance. Call (608) 741-7400 or toll free at (866) 995-7400. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.JanesvilleArmory.com.