US millionaire Anthony Hendon is treated to one helluva holiday in Monte Carlo.

He skydives, gambles at the famous casino, fishes, scuba dives, and shops for clothes.

He sure is one lucky stiff. Literally.

You see, Anthony is dead.

He leaves his $6 million fortune to his nephew, shoe salesman Harry Witherspoon, with the caveat that his embalmed body be taken around Monte Carlo for an all-expenses holiday.

Otherwise his money will go to a dogs’ home in Brooklyn. And Harry hates dogs.

The storyline, with its zany plot twists, makes great theatre, which is what’s in store for Portland audiences later this month.

Lucky Stiff, CEMA’s latest production, is a musical comedy featuring an all-singing, all-dancing local cast, 14 in total.

New cast member Neysa Murphy and CEMA stalwart Brian Duro play the leads.

CEMA publicity officer Brit Butten said Ms Murphy “blew them away” at auditions.

“It was lovely to watch Neysa sneak into auditions, she was quiet and reserved. But when she started to sing she blew us away. So much talent.”

Other new cast members are Amy Bochenek and Charlie Bassett.

Ms Bassett says the show is hilarious and she’s been loving the auditions.

She has played lead roles in two musicals at primary and secondary school. “I’ve been a candy pirate and a superhero who can see into the future so I not unfamiliar with whacky costumes,” she says.

Tasmanian-raised Ms Bochenek began her theatre experience in primary school “when I was a koala on a surfboard!”.

She studied drama in years 7-10 and performed in the musicals Legally Blonde and Freaky Friday in years 11-12.

She was also a member of the Launceston Youth Theatre Ensemble and performed in the Launceston competitions.

Having recently moved to Portland, she joined CEMA because she loves the theatre scene. She says all the cast and crew are friendly and supportive and rehearsing for Lucky Stiff  has been great fun.

“I think people will enjoy the humour in this production; it’s different to the generic comedy you see on TV.”

Director Michelle Kearney has long wanted to stage this production, which is based on the 1983 novel The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo by Michael Butterworth.

It was created and performed Off-Broadway in 1988, winning an award, and staged in London’s West End.

And now it’s Portland’s lucky turn.

An evening of hilarity is guaranteed, the perfect antidote for any midwinter blues.

Lucky Stiff runs on June 20, 21 and 22 at 7.30pm and on June 23 at 2pm at the Portland Arts Centre. Bookings: 5522 2263 or portlandartscentre.com.au.