The Downriver Actors Guild ends its run of the intense drama “Extremities” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the Out of the Box Theater at 1165 Ford Ave. in Wyandotte. The cast includes Carolyn Sohoza (left) of Allen Park as Marjorie, Lee Michaels of Taylor as Raul, Debbie Aue-Delgado of Taylor as Patricia and Carol-Ann Black of Lincoln Park as Terry. The show contains adult language, violence and sexual content, and children under age 14 will not be admitted without a parent or legal guardian. For more information call (313) 303-5269 or go to www.downriveractorsguild.net.
By SUE SUCHYTA
The Players Guild of Dearborn is filling the house with laughter as it continues its season with the Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten comedy “Til Beth Do Us Part.”
The show will continue its weekend runs through Jan. 29, with 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday shows and 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinees.
Director Robb Stempek of Livonia chases away the winter blues with a talented cast warming up audiences with well-deserved laughter.
The show centers on Suzannah, a chocolate entrepreneur, who is stressed out by her husband, Gibby’s, sloppiness and unwillingness to help around the house. Feeling overwhelmed, she takes her friend Margo’s advice and hires an assistant, Beth. However, Beth’s energy and talents may come with an ulterior motive, and her clean sweep just might be aiming the broom at Gibby.
One of the first things you’ll notice is the beautiful set, designed by Wayne State University technical theater undergraduate students Lisa Berg of Canton Township and Anthony Karpinski of Grosse Pointe. The multiple doors and walk-in closet complete the comic romp, and the realistic offstage kitchen even has visible cupboards worthy of a rising chocolate purveyor.
April Denny of Dearborn Heights as Suzannah Hayden and Patrick Denyer of Dearborn as Gibby Hayden set the tone with their easy banter and believability as a couple. Most married folks will recognize elements of their own spousal situation comedy in the pair.
Margaret Kinnell of Wayne as Margo James and Ron Williams of Redford as Hank Russell, exes who remain separate friends with the Haydens, complete the comic quartet.
Kinnell is a comic delight, from her droll delivery and funny facial expressions to her spot-on physical comedy. Her singles bar scene with Gibby is one of the funniest moments of the show.
Williams is an hysterical part of the friends’ plan to get rid of Beth as one discovers the a reason he shaved his beard off for this role. Suffice to say his adjustment to support garments and heels will leave you roaring with laughter.
Kori Bielaniec of Livonia continues to grow as an actress and please audiences in her latest role as Beth Bailey. This time she adopts a high speed agenda that defies the slow Southern drawl she so sweetly adopts. She nails the comic timing, and is a good foil for Gibby’s bluster. Don’t blink when she’s onstage or you’ll miss a trick or sly wink.
Newcomer Linda Trygg of Westland rises to the Guild’s comic expectations as Celia Carmichael, a British chocolate CEO who comes to town in measure Suzannah’s success.
James Mayne of Redford and Marni Hack of Royal Oak co-produced the show, which features strong production values, from the costumes to the lighting and properties.
For more information call (313) 561-TKTS or go to www.playersguildofdearborn.org.
GUILD ANNOUNCES ‘ALMOST MAINE’ CAST
Director Paul Bruce announced the cast last Wednesday for the Players Guild of Dearborn’s production of John Cariani’s romantic comedy “Almost Maine.”
The story is set in the mythical town of Almost, Maine, on a cold, clear, moonless night in the middle of winter. As the northern lights shimmer in the sky the residents find themselves inexplicably falling in and out of love in unexpected and sometimes humorous ways. Some hearts are broken or bruised but all are mended or healed in the midwinter night’s tale.
The prologue, interlogue and epilogue will feature Michael Bollman of Dearborn as Pete and Kimberly Elliott of Canton Township as Ginette.
Dearborn residents Brian Townsend as East and Nicki Sharer as Glory are featured in “Her Heart.”
“Sad and Glad” will showcase Ken Kilgore of Dearborn as Jimmy, Ebony Bradley of Detroit as Sandrine and Andrea Hoglen of Canton as the waitress.
“This Hurts” features Juliette Delabbio-Abbott of Allen Park as Marvalyn and Bobby Murray of Dearborn as Steve.
Tiffany Mullins of Livonia will play Gayle in “Getting it Back,” which costars Tom Varitek of Dearborn as Lendall.
Allen Park resident Paul Abbott will play Randy and Kirk Haas of Inkster will play Chad in “They Fell.”
James Kirwan of Dearborn will play Phil to Meredith Ferry of Allen Park’s Marci in “Where It Went.”
“The Story of Hope” will feature Linda Barsamian of Novi as the Woman and John Sczomak of Dearborn as the Man. Margaret Kinnell of Wayne will play Rhonda and Kenyada Davis of Detroit will play Dave in “Seeing the Thing.”
The show will run weekends March 2 to 20. For more information, call the Guild hotline at (313) 561-TKTS or go to www.playersguildofdearborn.org.