WESTFIELD-A celebration of love – in seven one-act plays – will be showcased in early February as the Westfield Theatre Group presents the production, “My Funny Valentine.”
The Westfield Theatre Group is showcasing seven one-act plays next month.
Kurt Wildman, of Westfield, is producing the one-acts and encourages area residents to turn out for the romantic comedies. He added the one-acts contain adult language and mature themes which are not suitable for children.
“We have seven different stories of trials and tribulations in relationships,” said Wildman, adding, “Each story has a point that you will laugh at.”
Performances of “My Funny Valentine” are slated Feb. 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Westfield Woman’s Club, 28 Court St. At press time, no snow dates are scheduled.
Since Dec. 12, cast members have been rehearsing at least once a week while Wildman has spent three nights a week observing and providing input. During a dress rehearsal this week, Wildman and his technical crew will put the finishing touches on the one-acts with set changes, sound cues, and enhanced lighting.
“Most of the cast members haven’t seen the other shows,” said Wildman, noting each one-act runs eight to 15 minutes.
An intermission is planned after four one-acts and will include a variety of refreshments ranging from snack foods to homemade goodies, as well as water and fruit punch. A 50/50 raffle will also be conducted during the intermission period.
Wildman noted he joined the board of directors of the Westfield Theatre Group (WTG) a year ago and producing a WTG production is a first for him.
“We are excited about the collaboration of bringing community members together for a great night of comedy in the middle of winter,” said Wildman.
One-acts scheduled are:
“Post-Its® (Notes on a Marriage),” directed by Tom LeCourt, stars Bill Stroud as “Jack” and Louise Krieger as “Meredith.” The story, by Paul Dooley and Winnie Holzman, showcases an actor and actress reading the post-it notes between a couple that span the duration of their lives together. The play explores the ups and downs of a relationship that were unexpectedly captured on scraps of paper.
“It’s A Stretch,” directed by Stephanie Gilbert, stars Pat O’Connor as “Julie,” Tara LeBlanc as “Joan,” Paul Rothenberg as “Martin,” and Chelsea Rogalski as “Stephanie.” The story, by Donna Warfield, examines how “Mr. Right” can appear unexpectedly – even in a yoga class. When he does – wearing half a doorman’s uniform and half basketball shorts – will he be given a second glance?
“Sure Thing,” directed by Tony Jones, stars Larry Chiz as “Bill” and Nicole Murray as “Betty.” The plot line, by David Ives, involves two people who meet in a cafe and find their way through a conversational minefield as an offstage bell interrupts their false starts and gaffes on the way to falling in love.
“Prelude To Thirty Five,” directed by Hillary Wildman and written by Seth Kramer, stars Marie McCutchen as “Rae” and Matthew O’Reilly as “Jay.” As the plot of the newly engaged couple unfolds, Rae would rather endure nine hours at a train station in a snowstorm with no coat than to spend one more minute at Jay’s parents’ house, and then Jay botches the job of running after Rae, ending up with a bloody nose.
“The Wedding Story,” directed by Meaghan Farrell, stars Jess Miller as the “Storyteller,” Krystie Bernier as the “Bride,” and Matthew O’Reilly as the “Groom.” Julianne Homokay’s tale centers on the Storyteller wanting to share a happy fairytale, however, the bride and groom are not the perfect cake-topper couple they seem to be. Will the audience hear a bedtime story or the real story?
“Dead Giveaway,” directed by Jess Miller, stars Tom LeCourt as “Robert” and Carol Cisek as “Denise.” The tale, written by Daniel Guyton, takes place on Valentine’s Day and Robert has gotten Denise the “perfect” gift – or so he assumes. The examination of the hilarity in the phrase ’til death do us part’ has this husband and wife taking cracks at each other and splitting conversational hairs.
“Sniffing The Pickup,” directed by Meaghan Farrell, stars Floyd Patterson as “Brad,” Andy Price as “Howard,” Nancy Colby as “Ruth,” and Nicole Migliozzi as “Julie.” The story, by Barbara Lindsay, is all about the timing at “happy hour” when Brad takes his brother, Howard, to the bar to teach him a few things about meeting women. Along the way, Julie has a lot to learn about making a love connection from her friend Ruth. Will a hook-up or a love connection be made?
“The one-acts are really funny,” said Wildman. “My Funny Valentine is a great night of comedy.”
For more information on the WTG, visit www.westfieldtheatregroup.com or call the box office at (413) 572-6838 for reservations. Tickets are $15 per person and $12 for students and seniors.
