“Critic’s Choice” is set for June 23 through July 2 at Lakewood Theater, 76 Theater Road in Madison.

The production will be staged at 8 p.m. June 23-25; 4 p.m. June 26; 2 and 7 p.m. June 29; and at 8 p.m. June 30 and July 1 and 2.

Parker Ballantine is the most respected of the New York theater critics. Most of his closest friends are part of the Broadway community, such as his ex-wife actress Ivy London and producer S.P, Champlain.  These friendships are not even affected by bad reviews from Parker.  Angela is Parker’s current devoted and faithful wife. Parker and Ivy’s son, John Ballantine, lives with his father and Angie, who he loves. Angie has had problems in her life seeing projects through to completion, so Parker reacts with some skepticism when she announces that she plans to write an autobiographical play about her growing up years.  Angie does, however, see this project through, and she is eager for his opinion on this first draft.  He complies.  He hates it and tells her as much.

Instead of folding, Angie is even more determined to get the play produced to prove Parker wrong. As the play goes into production which includes out of town previews, Parker decides that his relationship with Angie will not force him out from doing his professional duty of reviewing the play if it makes it to Broadway. Will Parker be tainted by his own preconceived notions of the play, will he be honest, and if he is honest and doesn’t like the production, will his marriage be able to survive?  This show was first staged at Lakewood in 1962 with Betty White and Alan Ludden in the leads.

Tickets cost $24 in advance or $26 at the door; $40/$45 cabaret seating, $18/$20 children; tickets are non-refundable.

For tickets, or more information, call 207-474-7176, email, info@lakewoodtheater.org, or visit lakewoodtheater.org.