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PHOTO: The cast of CLT’s upcoming production of the comedy “It’s Only A Play,” from left, Benjamin Simpson, Jennifer Groover, Brian Pfohl, Sarah Duncan, John Blanchette, Roger Philippon and Jamie Bannister. (Submitted photo)
AUBURN – The L/A Community Little Theatre opens its 83rd season Jan. 19 with the Terrence McNally hit comedy “It’s Only A Play.”
In “It’s Only a Play,” a wealthy first-time Broadway producer throws an opening night party at her luxurious Manhattan home for a new show. She is joined by a variety of characters, from actors, to critics, to a coat-check girl, who bicker, name-drop, and regale about their theater experiences as they wait for the reviews to come in.
“They say ‘There’s no people like show people.’ Well, that is definitely true as this catty and neurotic group gossips, backstabs, and takes secret pleasure in each other’s bad reviews, but ultimately pull together as a family and make plans for their next show together,” said director Eileen Messina. “If you have ever been onstage, performed in any way, or taken part in any group project, you will recognize these people and their feelings.”
There are seven characters in the show: Julia Budder, the producer (played by Jamie Bannister); Sir Frank Finger, the young British avantgarde director (played by Ben Simpson); Peter Austin, the playwright making his Broadway debut (played by Brian Pfohl); James Wicker, the sitcom star and Peter’s best friend (played by John Blanchette); Virginia Noyes (played by Jennifer Groover), a doped-up diva who has been drummed out of Hollywood and is trying to resurrect her career by appearing on Broadway; Ira Drew (played by Roger Philippon) a “vicious” NY theater critic who crashes the party; and Gus Head (played by Sarah Duncan), a fresh-off-the-bus cater waiter who arrived that very day from the Midwest.
Messina, who directors both dramas and comedies, said her heart is really more with comedy. “The playwrights do their best to write a funny script, but then it’s up to the director to tweak and vary the performances so that the humor is accessible to all. As someone famous once said, ‘Dying is easy. Comedy is hard.’ My actors know how often I say, ‘I think we can make that even funnier.’ With a great cast like this one, sometimes all that is needed is a slightly different delivery, a raise of an eyebrow or an awkward pause,” she said.
Since the play includes adult themes and language, CLT recommends that audience members be at least 16 years old. Messina said anyone under 16 may not appreciate the humor or references to current actors and Broadway shows.
“It’s Only a Play” will be performed at CLT, 30 Academy St., at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28; and at 2 p.m. Jan. 22 and 29. Subscribers to CLT’s 83rd season can save 25% and get four shows for the price of three. Priority reserved seating is offered to subscribers. For ticket prices, season ticket information and more, visit laclt.com/box-office or call 207-783-0958.
