Appearing in the play, ‘Revenge of the Red Hat Ladies,’ from left, Mary Hickey, John Reilly, Lia Paliocha, Mariann Goff, Tom Hoy, Bridget Remington, and Lainey Cross.
BETHEL — ‘The Senior Players Get Sweet and Salty’ finds five short comedy plays living up to the theme as the Senior Players of Western Mountains Senior College,
Bethel, present their performance on Friday, November 17 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 18, at a 2 p.m. matinee at Gould Academy’s McLaughlin Auditorium.
The Players, under the direction of facilitator John Reilly, promise an evening of laughter and fun for all. New facilitator this year, Reilly is pleased to have some returning Players to help with selecting plays, casting, props, costumes, and practices. “We are always looking for new members for the troupe. If you have the slightest interest in getting on stage, join us next season. You do not have to commit, just come by and read through some plays.”
Reilly said, “The Players, although ‘amateur thespians,’” challenge themselves in the art of theater and are anxious to highlight their talents for their friends and neighbors.” Two new members were welcomed this year, Bill Corrigan, and Tom Hoy. Members follow the “senior theater” tradition of carrying their scripts on stage.
In “Revenge of the Red Hat Ladies,” by Maxine Holmgren, investment and love both have their ups and downs. And just when you think you have it figured out, all pandemonium breaks loose! The play features Maryann Goff as Betty, Lia Paliocha as Louise, Bridget Remington as Charlene, Mary Hickey as Barbara, John Reilly as Jane, Lainey Cross as Roseann, and Tom Hoy as Walter.
“Mythological Icon Lament,” an original play written by Reilly, makes its “World Premier” in this year’s performance. The play features Reilly as Leon, the Tooth Fairy wannabe from last year’s play, “The Tooth Hurts.” Despite himself, he is the new Tooth Fairy and realizes the job is not all fancy costumes and magic fairy dust.
Bill Corrigan as Mike plays Santa, Tom Hoy as Dan is the Easter Bunny, Tim LeConey as the Boogie Man, and Rosabelle Tifft as Mavis from The Tooth Hurts, keeps the meeting of Mythological Icons Anonymous in order.
“The Sneeze,” by Frederick Stroppel, starring Rosabelle Tifft as Abby and Gail Parent as Martha will blow your mind with their antics! “The DMV Tyrant,” by Christopher Durang, will drive you crazy as Mariann Goff, the DMV Tyrant traps Lainey Cross, the customer, in a bureaucratic catch-22.
Some couples were just meant to be, they just cannot live without each other. “The Man and His Plant,” by D. M. Bocaz-Larson, has Tim LeConey as Hooper with his half-dead plant. Bill Schuellien plays the Mail Carrier, Lia Paliocha as Mrs. Kreb, Mary Hickey as Ms. Arnold, and Bill Corrigan as Ben Arnold.
Plan to attend and be prepared for lots of action and practical jokes in the five comedies that will have you rolling in the aisles by the end of the show. Senior Players is sponsored by Western Mountains Senior College. Admission is free but donations to offset production costs are welcome. For more information, contact Reilly at jreilly@mit.edu.
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