The Players Guild of Dearborn opens its “Season of Simon” with the comedy “Come Blow Your Horn” Sept. 15 to Oct. 1, with Alex Gojkov (left) of Redford Township as Alan Baker, Graham Dallas of Dearborn as Buddy Baker and Nicole Harris of Wyandotte as Connie Dayton. For tickets or more information go to playersguildofdearborn.org.
Neil Simon’s first Broadway hit comedy, “Come Blow Your Horn” launches a “Season of Simon” as both the popular playwright and the Players Guild of Dearborn celebrate their 90th year.
The comedy runs 8 p.m. Sept. 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30 and 2:30 p.m. Sept. 17, 24 and Oct. 1 at the theater, 21730 Madison in Dearborn.
Directed by Kori Bielaniec of Westland, the cast features Dearborn residents Graham Dallas as Buddy Baker, Jazzmin Sharara as Peggy Evans, and Marsha Barnett-Krause in a cameo role; Sue DeLosier of Lincoln Park as Mrs. Baker; Alex Gojkov of Redford Township as Alan Baker; Rob Eagel of Trenton as Mr. Baker; and Nicole Harris of Wyandotte as Connie Dayton.
Set in 1960s Manhattan, the story focuses on a playboy older brother who takes his younger brother under his bachelor wing, much to their parents’ dismay. As the younger brother becomes a ladies’ man, the older brother starts to yearn for the one woman he truly loves.
Bielaniec, who likes performing in comedies, said she felt she could bring her comedic sensibilities as an actor to the role of director.
She said the show has some dated humor, while other elements of the comedy are timeless.
“There’s humor that is the same as it is now,” Bielaniec said. “Two brothers ribbing each other, and a father who is exasperated by his son’s choices. It’s pretty universal.”
She said the brothers carry the show, and audiences will enjoy their relationship.
“Watching Alex’s character move from playboy to more conscientious adult while Graham’s younger brother evolves from kid to playboy is really funny, especially when Graham starts taking on some of Alex’s mannerisms,” Bielaniec said. “If the audience is ready to laugh, they need to see this show.”
Dallas said it was a fun challenge to portray Buddy as shy and dorky and then develop him into a swinging bachelor.
“Romance in this era is smooth, and so are the men, although sometimes a bit sexist,” he said. “It is a funny show, charming and the family dynamics are very relatable.”
Eagel, who enjoys playing a grumpy and sarcastic character, said romance has changed little since the 1960s, and what has changed is “different nations were threatening us with nuclear annihilation.”
DeLosier said while parents today usually don’t become as involved in dating decisions, Neil Simon’s humor makes it a fun show.
Sharara agrees on the fun factor.
“The show is zany, energetic and just all around spectacular,” she said.
Bielaniec said the process of rehearsing the show has been enjoyable, and it will show on stage.
“Who isn’t in the mood to laugh and be transported to a different era for a few hours?” Bielaniec said. “You can watch some silliness, some heartwarming family moments and a little bit of romance as well.”
Tickets are $18, with a $2 student discount. For more information or to order call 313-561-TKTS or go to playersguildofdearborn.org.
SCP PRESENTS ‘SCARLET LIES’
Detroit-area glam rock band Scarlet Lies performs songs from their debut album “Monsters Coming Out” Sept. 9 at the recently renovated Southgate Community Players Corner Playhouse, 12671 Dix Toledo Road, Southgate.
The doors open at 7 p.m., with a 7:30 p.m. performance by Taeryn McCardell, followed by the band’s show. Tickets are $10. Concessions will be available, and prize raffles will add to the fun.
Scarlet Lies has performed at many local festivals, including the Ferndale Pride Festival; Detroit River Days; and Arts, Beats & Eats.
For more information about the band, go to scarletlies.com. For more information about SCP, go to scponstage.com.
PGD AUDITIONS FOR ‘PROMISES, PROMISES’
The Players Guild of Dearborn will hold auditions for the musical “Promises, Promises” Sept. 18 and 19 at the theater, 21730 Madison, Dearborn.
The show, with book by Neil Simon, music by Burt Bacharach and lyrics by Hal David, is based on the Billy Wilder and I.A.L. Diamond screenplay “The Apartment.”
Registration begins at 6:30 p.m., with auditions starting at 7:30 p.m. Those auditioning will be asked to sing a cut from a song from the show, learn a dance combination and read from the script.
For the audition forms and conflicts calendars that should be brought to the audition, and for character descriptions, music cuts and other audition information go to playersguildofdearborn.org/2017-2018-season/promises-promises.