When a pair of widowed senior citizens decide they want to take their relationship to the next level, their family gets the wrong idea and the couple discovers romance can be complicated the second time around.
That’s the premise of playwright Henry Denker’s comedy The Second Time Around, set for a six-night run at the Harriston Town Hall Theatre between April 28 and May 6.
The Grey Wellington Theatre Guild’s (GWTG) spring 2017 offering is a flat out comedy that director John Hogg says capitalizes on its late ‘70s period setting.
“It is a funny play,” said Hogg. “It’s good for a night of laughter and reflection, just an all-around good play.
“The costumes will obviously bring a smile to a lot of faces, and some ‘yechs’ to others,” Hogg adds.
The veteran director notes interest in the guild has been strong of late and, with more than 20 hopefuls attending auditions for this production, he was able to assemble a cast of both GWTG stalwarts and stage newcomers.
Fergus resident Mark Holloran, in his first-ever stage role, plays the romantically-inclined senior, Sam. Monica O’Hagan plays his intended, Laura. O’Hagan is appearing for the first time with the GWTG, after performing in productions in her hometown of Walkerton.
Nicholas Hennig of Durham, who plays Laura’s son Mike, has previously been on stage with the guild in The Wizard of Oz.
Minto resident Jessica Reinhart, as Mike’s wife Eleanor, is appearing for the first time with the guild, although she had previous stage experience at Sacred Heart Secondary School, where she appeared in The Sound of Music and Fiddler on the Roof.
Maija McCahrey of Mount Forest plays Sam’s neurotic daughter Cynthia. McCahrey’s previous work with the guild includes roles in Artifice and The Wizard of Oz. Dan Bieman, of Harriston, who has appeared in numerous GWTG productions, including Annie and The Foursome, plays her psychologist husband, Arthur.
Jacob Bieman of Harriston plays Sam’s grandson, Bruce, whose regular visits complicate life for the senior lovebirds, while Erin Raftis of Harriston plays his girlfriend Angela. Both are veteran GWTG performers. Bieman’s credits include The Wizard of Oz and Ebenezer, while Raftis has appeared in The Wizard of Oz, Annie and Oliver!
Behind the scenes, Alison Moran is working as assistant director for the production, which is being co-produced by Joan Hogg and Roslyn Fortier.
Michele Matheson is stage manager and Patricia Von Westerholt is assistant stage manager.
The Second Time Around runs April 28 and 29 and May 4, 5 and 6 at 7:30pm, with a matinee scheduled for April 30 at 2pm at the Harriston Town Hall Theatre, 68 Elora Street in Harriston.
Tickets are available at Harriston Home Hardware, Walsh’s IDA Pharmacy in Mount Forest or call 519-338-2778.
