A dead uncle, six million bucks, a girl who loves dogs and a trip to Monte Carlo come together in Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flahertyย’s frantic musical farce Lucky Stiff. At the center of all this madness is mild-mannered shoe salesman Harry Witherspoon, whoย’s thrown into a world of diamond thieves and gun-toting dames when his dead uncle leaves him six million dollars.

Thereย’s a catch to getting the money, of course. (This is a musical ย— thereย’s always a catch.) First Harry must take the dead man for one last fling to Monte Carlo. If Harry doesnย’t do what the will says, all the dough goes to a dog charity. Ever the obedient nephew, Harry wheels his dressed-up, taxidermied uncle through various casinos while being followed by a motley crew, some with deadly intentions.

And, of course, a love story blossoms in the middle of all this silliness ย— what would a musical be without love? See the shenanigans at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. select Sundays. Through April 6. Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby. For tickets and information, call 713-315-2525 or visit www.masqueradetheatre.com. $20 to $50.

Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sun., April 6, 2 p.m. Starts: March 28. Continues through April 5, 2008

This article appears in Mar 27 – Apr 2, 2008.