'Cheaper by the Dozen': Cast debuts classic beginning today at PTK

By Alyssa Harvey

Mar. 27, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) --
An efficiency expert tries to run his family of 14 in the same way that he consults businesses to run in Public Theatre of Kentucky's production of "Cheaper by the Dozen."

Adapted by Christopher Sergel from the book by Frank Gilbreth and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, the play opens at 7 p.m. Thursday and runs at 7 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through April 13. Tickets are $13 for adults; $10 students and seniors and $8 for children 12 and under. An opening night reception hosted by Jim and Darlene Johnson of Jim Johnson Automotive Excellence will follow the show. The featured gallery artist will be Retrograde Studios. The performance is sponsored by Jim Johnson Automotive Excellence, American Bank (OTCBB:AMBK) (OTCBB:AMBKP) & Trust and David Broderick and Associates.

"Cheaper by the Dozen" is the true story of Frank Gilbreth, who is the head of a family at the turn of the 20th century. The play is based on the book of the same name written by two of Frank's 12 children after they grew up.

"It's a funny story about a quirky father who loved his kids but expected them to run like a factory runs," said PTK artistic director Delia Osborne, who is also directing the play. "It's one of those really great old stories. They had lots of love and problems just like all families do."

Bill Leonard, who plays Frank, said his character is what people today would call a management consultant.

"He would come into a business, office or factory and observe for a period of time how they did what they did," he said. "He would make suggestions of how to make work more efficient so that the same amount of people in the same amount of time would raise productivity level."

Frank's way of efficiency worked for his family until his three oldest daughters became teenagers, Leonard said.

"What I enjoy about Frank the most is that he has all these 20th century ideas but is knee deep in the 19th century -- his outlook on roles of men and women," he said. "He wanted his family to be self-sustaining. He didn't want them to go outside the family for any of their needs. His saving grace is his wife."

Leonard said rehearsals have been fun.

"Delia picked some good kids and they're really fun to work with, especially now that they're a little more relaxed and getting in character," he said. "It's a wonderful family show. There are many things a parent should know, particularly if they have teenagers."

People shouldn't expect the play to be like the recent movies starring Steve Martin, Osborne said.

"I have always loved the book," she said. "The play is true to the book."

The play features a cast of 17, including nine children. The three youngest children aren't shown in the play because they are "always upstairs," Osborne said. There is also a dog in the production.

"It's a very large cast of actors ages 8 and up. You're working with children and adults and expecting children to have the same work ethic as the adults you're working with and vice versa," she said. "It makes for a different working environment for both parties. We have a wonderful cast."

-- For more information, call PTK's box office at 781-6233.

What: 'Cheaper by the Dozen' -- The true story of Frank Gilbreth, who is the head of a family at the turn of the 20th century. The play is based on the book of the same name written by two of Frank's 12 children after they grew up.

Where: Public Theatre of Kentucky

Cost: $13 for adults, $10 for students and seniors and $8 for kids 12 and under.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0033-24075200