It was the cute girls who attracted Scott Barkhurst to musical theater. When he was a University student in the late 1960s, he sought opportunities to act and play his flute whenever possible. In the process, he found what he calls a wonderful “cross-section of the community” at the Very Little Theatre.
While playing his flute there in the orchestra during a 1967 production, Barkhurst met teachers, dentists, lawyers, housewives and costume experts. All of them volunteered their talents to a mainstay community theater that dated back to 1929.

More than 40 years later, Barkhurst, director of marketing and publications for the music school and publicity director for the VLT, boasts of its comfortable, warm and inviting atmosphere. He’s been a VLT member since 1973, and while he admires aging baby boomers’ loyalty to the VLT, he is amazed that more University students don’t take advantage of its inexpensive ticket prices and close proximity to campus.
Surprise Barkhurst and mix up a graying audience made up of mostly 40- to 70-year-olds this Friday.
The Very Little Theatre presents “Funny Money,” a British farce and your week-three comedic release, for $14. Opening night, Oct. 17, is complete with free intermission coffee and the opportunity to schmooze with cast members over post-show gala refreshments.
“It’s a great introduction to one of the most successful community theaters in the country,” Barkhurst said of the Ray Cooney play. “The central theme is one gag and it’s pure merriment – an escape from the realities of daily life where you don’t have to think too hard.” In 2007, “Funny Money” was adapted as a screenplay starring Chevy Chase.
On his train ride home from work, a mild-mannered 50-something CPA named Henry (Dan Pegoda) picks up the wrong briefcase filled with illicit cash. Does he keep the dough? Leave it? Try to return it? Adding to his complications, it’s Henry’s birthday night and his friends Vic and Betty (Bill Campbell and Jennifer Sellers) have gathered at his house to celebrate.
Before Henry returns home, he stops in a pub to count the ill-begotten gains. On a whim, Henry decides to leave behind his old life, keep the money and take his wife, Jean (Leslie Murray), with him to Barcelona.
A series of hilarious fibs, cover-ups and identity mix-ups ensue as Henry tries to cover his butt. Some of these outrageous scenarios ring strikingly familiar to recent headlines.
“The first policeman that shows up at Henry’s house accuses him of soliciting in a men’s room from that first night at the pub,” Barkhurst said. “Aw, man! Didn’t we just read about this actually happening?”
“Funny Money,” which runs Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 8, is directed by Chris Pinto and features an experienced local cast.
“People who are familiar with Eugene theater, particularly VLT, will recognize most of these actors,” Barkhurst said.
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