Averett University’s Theatre Department premiered its second production of 2026 with “Lucky Stiff’” on Thursday, April 16 and held three more shows on the 17th, 18th, and the 19th, Based on “The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo” by Michael Butterworth, “Lucky Stiff” chronicles the story of a regular shoe salesman named Harry Witherspoon (played by Britton Lackey) who is coerced into taking the dead body of his uncle on a trip to Monte Carlo with the chance to win his inheritance of $6,000,000 but all the while he is being chased by Annabel Glick (played by Dee-Dee Anderson) who represents the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn, which is where the money will go to if Harry fails and by Rita La Porta (played by Kylie Morton) who is his uncle’s crazy gun-waving ex as well. 

The scenes were engaging, colorful, and creative that helped keep the audience engaged with the story, for example the scene in the club was very fun and a highlight of the play. Another scene that was a highlight for me was that showed all of the activities that Harry had to do with his uncle like sky diving and snorkeling all while Annabel is chasing them and making sure the activities are being done or else the money will go to the charity. This was a very imaginative way to display so many different things under a limited set.  

Overall, this was very enjoyable and was another fun production put on by the Averett Theatre Department. I am looking forward to seeing what the next play is they have planned next.