New York International Fringe Festival

Professor Ralph's Loss of Breath

Author: Professor Ralph

Producer: Playlab NYC

Director: Kevin P. Hale

Professor Ralph's Loss of Breath is a high-energy comedy enacted by two clowns, telling the story of Mr. Lackobreath, the luckiest man in the world, and the misfortune that befalls him on his wedding day.  During a jealous argument with his new bride, Mr. Lackobreath loses his breath, is chased from his home, and goes on a quest to recover his lost respiration and his lost luck. 

Too many weighty issues occupy our time and sap our energy, which is why Playlab NYC believes in creating entertaining trifles.  The recession, government bailouts, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Michael Jackson —Professor Ralph's Loss of Breath is guaranteed to address none of these issues.  Our humble goals are to engage audiences' imaginations and make them laugh.

Professor Ralph's Loss of Breath was originally adapted from a story by Edgar Allen Poe in 1892 by Ralph Phillips as a Punch and Judy show.  Playlab NYC has re-imagined the text as a comic vaudeville in order to bring a forgotten work to today's audiences.  This 117 year-old comedy is as sharp as it ever was, and we wish to help audiences re-discover a neglected treasure. 

Kevin P. Hale, director