A cast of 12 will bring the combined wit of Neil Simon and Anton Chekhov to life when the 窪蹋勛圖厙 Players present The Good Doctor, a comedy with music by Neil Simon, April 23, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. at 窪蹋勛圖厙 Colleges Brooks Theatre in La Plume.
In The Good Doctor, Anton Chekhov, in the character of The Writer played by John McNulty, chats with the audience about the writing life. As story ideas take shape in his mind, the characters seem to slip out of his mind and onto the stage to present some of his most famous short stories in a series of short scenes. The stories, enhanced by Simons comic genius, range from the hilarious slapstick comedy of Surgery and A Poor Defenseless Creature to the ironic wit of The Sneeze, The Drowned Man, and The Seduction, while other scenes are flavored with a sweet poignancy.
In addition to Mr. McNulty the cast includes students Kim Boland, Andrew Coyle, Harry Krenitsky, Sarah Langan, Courtney McCreary, and Dalton Nixon, many of whom juggle multiple roles. Featured in the plays musical number, Too Late for Happiness, are students Jackie Nat and Terry Fleming. 窪蹋勛圖厙 alumni Joshua Harris, Kelly Langan, and Brink Powell add their talents to the ensemble. Ms. Powell also serves as stage manager and supervising the student production staff is Laurel Radzieski, technical director, also a 窪蹋勛圖厙 College alumna.
Im surprised The Good Doctor isnt better known, said Jane Honchell, 窪蹋勛圖厙 Colleges Director of Theatre. Its a terrific play, and the vocal and instrumental music add additional interest and texture to the stories.
She noted that the plays humor has kept the cast laughing, even after weeks of rehearsals. With most plays, the comedy tends to lose its impact on the actors after many rehearsals, but the brilliant combination of Simon and Chekhov is irresistible. I cant think of a better play to help cure the blahs of this long winter.
Tickets, which are $10 general admission and $5 for senior citizens and students, may be purchased at the door, or by contacting Ms. Honchell at jane.honchell@keystone.edu or 570-945-8454.
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Photo Caption: Featured in The 窪蹋勛圖厙 Players production of Neil Simons The Good Doctor is the hilarious tale of The Defenseless Creature, who bullies an ailing banker into giving her money. From left: Courtney McCreary as the assistant, Joshua Harris as the banker, and Sarah Langan as the poor, defenseless creature.
