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It turns out that the Super Bowl doesn't exactly have the market cornered on "wardrobe malfunctions"--nor are such public gaffes strictly a thing of the 21st century. More than 90 years ago, German playwright Carl Sternheim devoted an entire play to the uproar that erupts when a woman's wayward skivvies become the star of the show at a parade.
And, familiarly, up for debate is just how "accidental" the drawer dropping might have been.
Sternheim's comedy, Die Hose, was adapted in 2001 by actor, comedian and writer Steve Martin to become The Underpants. San José Repertory Theatre concludes its season with Martin's adaptation of the farce, which opens June 25.
Louise Maske and her husband, Theo, a self-important bureaucrat, are attending a parade honoring the Kaiser when her bloomers unexpectedly head south, for all to see. After that, the hapless housefrau's unmentionables become the talk of the town, further outraging husband Theo, the quintessential clod, whose only concern in the scandal is for the security of his small-potatoes office job.
Meanwhile, two local men who were particularly tantalized by Louise's one-woman lingerie fashion show are soon vying to occupy the spare room that the Maskes are offering for rent. Theo, of course, fails to realize it's not the room but the landlady that has the potential renters in a clamor. And Louise, tired of playing second fiddle to her husband's job, is eager for some extra--indeed, any--male attention.
Martin, although best known for his comedy and film work, has also built a reputation as an insightful and witty writer, whose works include screenplays for many of his well-known films, among them Father of the Bride, L.A. Story and Roxanne. Martin is the author of the acclaimed play Picasso at the Lapin Agile, and the recent novella The Pleasure of My Company. Later this year, he will star in a film version of his 2000 novella, Shopgirl, which he adapted for the screen. Martin also has a screenwriting credit for the remake of The Pink Panther, in which he will star as the bumbling Inspector Clouseau. The remake is set for release next year.
San José Repertory Theatre presents "The Underpants," June 25July 18 (previews June 1924) at 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. Tickets are $18$25. For more information, call 408.367.7255 or see www.sjrep.com.
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