Rooster That Lays Egg Leads To Laughs In LAB Theater Performance

TAMPA, FL — Following a successful opening night Thursday, LAB Theater Project will give encore performances of "The Rooster’s Tale," a new play by Paula Fell, through March 19.

Based on “true” events in Medieval England, this riotous play uses timeless humor (with a bit of buffoonery), classic wordplay and a very unlikely event to illustrate one humble family’s path to triumph through some very contemporary problems.

California-based playwright Fell’s previous works have been produced and read in theaters from
coast to coast, including New York, Minneapolis, Santa Fe and up and down the West Coast. This is her Florida debut. "The Rooster’s Tale" is directed by longtime Tampa director, actor and teacher Caroline Jett, and features local actors Rick Fernandez, Karena Stanley, Nathan Juliano, Ursula Trasorras, Larry Corwin and Rachel Stidham.

LAB founder and technical director Owen Robertson provides the set and lighting design with sound design by Rick Anthony and costumes designed by Jillian Rois.

According to the playwright, “With a nod to the bawdiness of 'The Canterbury Tales' and a heavy dose of subversive humor, 'The Rooster’s Tale' addresses the dangers of being different, cancel culture, and how a rooster lays an egg," Fell said.

In the play, Medieval peasants Margery and Peter have their hands full keeping up the farm, especially with the village full of vile rumors about their sweet but naïve son, and with their daughter, a nun with a bad attitude and a worse glower. When Margery’s favorite rooster, Henry, unexpectedly (to say the least) and mysteriously lays an egg, the bloviating local mayor insists on putting Henry — and the egg — on trial for consorting with the devil. Can the poor couple act fast enough to save their farm, protect their children (and Henry), and maybe make a little extra on the side?

“When I first read 'The Rooster's Tale, I actually startled my dogs several times as I burst out laughing," said Jett. "From that moment, I wanted LAB to produce it and I wanted to direct it.
Paula has written a script that is a beautiful blend of Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales' and Monty Python: smart, clever, silly, absurd and bawdy. Then to find out the play is based on a true story only cemented my desire to see it performed. And yet, at its core, the story deals with gender, orientation, judgment and superstition. I know audiences coming out for this witty evening will burst out laughing, finding it as quick and funny as I do.”

"The Rooster’s Tale" will continue Saturday at 8 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. at 812 E Henderson Ave., Tampa. It will then continue Thursdays through Sundays through March 19.

Taped performances will also be available on demand March 16 to 30. Audience members who purchase on-demand tickets will be emailed a link to the video site.

Tickets are $28 and are available through LAB’s website.