Buntport Theater’s live sitcom “Starship Troy” follows the motley crew of a futuristic space garbage truck whose mission is to clean up the universe, one load at a time. And as Capt. Bernard Bimple might say, we hope you understand the unfortunate meaning of “load,” in this case.
The popular biweekly series returns for a second season Tuesday and Wednesday. The cast of five plays a crew of 10. Ensign McCoy, played by an audience member, dies in every episode. Here’s a quick character breakdown:
Erik Edborg: Capt. Bimple (a dubious leader attached by dryer-duct tubing to his conjoined sister, Bernice) and Lt. Doctor What? (ship’s counselor and canteen owner).
Hannah Duggan: Ensign Bernice Bimple (likes to point out plot incongruities) and Jean D’eau (the ship’s stylist, who claims to be from a planet founded by John Waters).
Erin Rollman: Lt. Spanks (a security officer with eyes in the back of her head) and officer Schmata (ship’s doctor … and a schmandroid).
Brian Colonna: Lt. Shamu (an ape) and Ensign Zoloft (half-human pilot).
Evan Weissman: Cmdr. Link Hogthrob (a player with a fondness for alien women) and Lt. Cmdr. Prince Lee Earbuns (a royal engineer).
Q: So, Link: What is the difference between being a Heartthrob and a Hogthrob?
Link: When my family immigrated from an old galaxy, a lot of times, people didn’t know what our name was, so it got changed around. My family name used to be Hotthrob, and it got changed to Hogthrob. I know some people who used to be Smyth – and they became Smath.
Zoloft: That’s very interesting …
Link: Yeah.
Q: Jean D’eau, do you have a favorite John Waters film?
Jean D’eau: Yes, I do. It’s “Pink Flamingos.” She eats poo! He eats poo! Divine!
Q: Where did we leave off after Season 1?
Shamu: The ship has been taken over by a giant parrot, someone I was involved in a relationship with …
Jean D’eau: Love affair!
Shamu: Things went differently than I expected, and the parrot has flown us to god knows where. … And I have lost my wristwatch.
Jean D’eau: In more ways than one. Hello!
Q: Anyone want to tell people why they should want to join in for Season 2?
Shamu: (Pause) Yes … someone should tell them.
Shamu: (Pause) Hmm … Who should field that one?
Schmata: (Pause) It’s a really good question.
Dr What?: (Pause): What?
Jean D’eau: I would tune in just for the (heck) of it. I mean … right?
Bimple: I think it tickles my funny bone!
Schmata: It is inexpensive and stupid … in a good way.
“Starship Troy” returns for a second season Oct. 23-24 and offers original episodes every other Tuesday and Wednesday through April 23. For ticket information, call 303-946-1388.
To listen to John Moore’s entire podcast interview with the cast of “Starship Troy,” . From there just press the miniplayer’s triangular “play” button and the podcast will begin immediately without downloading.
John Moore: 303-954-1056 or jmoore@denverpost.com
