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| The Man Who Came to Dinner (2006-2007) |
| Production Crew |
| Director Producer Stage Manager Backstage Backstage Set Manager Asst. Set Manager Technical Director Technical Support |
| Chanté Wells Pam Bradley Shelli Griffin Terri Sipes Becki Paul Jeff Wagoner Aaron Scholl Aaron Scholl Matt Griffin |
| The Cast |
| Sheridan Whiteside Maggie Cutler Mr. Stanley Mrs. Stanley Miss Preen Doctor Bradley Richard Stanley June Stanley John, The Butler Sarah, The Maid Mrs. McCutcheon Abby McCutcheon Harriet Stanley Bert Jefferson Professor Metz Mr. Baker Convict #1 Convict #2 Convict #3 Expressman Lorraine Sheldon Sandy Beverly Carlton Ms. Westcott Radio Technician #1 Radio Technician #2 Children's Choir Member #1 Children's Choir Member #2 Childrens Choir Member #3 Banjo Deputy #1 Deputy #2 |
| Rushville Republican Newspaper Review |
| Published March 01, 2007 RCP presents “The Man Who Came to Dinner” Tim Sloan Coming soon to a Laughlin Center stage near you: A Rush County Players’ production that will make every bad relative, friend or foreign exchange student to ever wreak havoc on your home look like a puppy. Nearly 70 years after writing partners Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman wrote their classic comedy, “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” Sheridan Whiteside still remains the definitive house guest from hell. This weekend, the Players will exhibit this lunatic’s antics at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are now on sale at Office King or the Rush County Chamber of Commerce, and are $5 for students, $8 for adults in advance, or $10 on the day of show. The fast-paced comedy was first produced by RCP in 1991. Director Chante Wells’ cast represents a collage of RCP veterans, favorites, and some new faces as well. The storyline is as follows: Whiteside, a famous radio commentator and general rambling man, proceeds to lay claim to the home of the Stanley family of Mesalia, Ohio, since he holds them responsible for a slip on the ice of the their front doorstep and his subsequent inability to leave. Whiteside is played by RCP favorite Jack Harmon, returning to the front of the stage after taking a break to direct. He is surly, obnoxious, deadpan and brilliant. “Watch his facial expressions. He is great in this showy role,” cast member Bonnie Locchetta said. His long-suffering but devoted secretary, Maggie Cutler, who finds her heart’s desire in this small out-of-the-way place, is portrayed beautifully by Molly Rose, who has had many parts in RCP productions before, but holds this role as her chance to shine on the stage of the community theater. Maggie’s heart’s desire, it turns out, is the local newspaper editor, Bert Jefferson. In what may be a first for Rush County Players, the same actor has been cast in the same role he had in the 1991 production. Bill Steenstrup must “look like a newspaper man” because he once again capably fits the bill. The unwilling hosts of Sheridan Whiteside, Earnest and Daisy Stanley, are played by Steve Harmon and Lora Norris, who is returning to the RCP stage and joining the production she appeared in 16 years ago. “These two have wonderful chemistry together,” Locchetta said. “It is worth noting, in their last performance together they also played spouses.” The Stanley children, June and Richard, who warm to Whiteside in a way their parents never do, are played by RCP veterans Amanda Locchetta and Blake Connolly, who have both grown up on stage and it shows that they did. June’s fiance’ Sandy is played by RCP newcomer Jeremiah Catron. Their aunt, the ethereal Harriet Stanley, is played by Sandra Coons. “She fairly floats on and off of stage and is hilariously creepy,” Locchetta said. They, and Mr. Whiteside, are served by the more than capable butler, John, played by Dan Scholl. “In a former life he must really have been a butler!” Locchetta noted. “His mannerisms are excellent, as are his reactions to the goings-on around him.” His counter-part, Sarah, one of the “three great chefs” Whiteside has known, is Holly Norris, also returning to the Players fold. Also, there to take care of Whiteside is Sharon Scholl as his nurse, Miss Preen. Along with Maggie, she bears the brunt of Whiteside’s frustrations, and her reactions are terrific. The other medical personnel involved is Curt Mock playing Dr. Bradley, a bumbling country doctor who makes house-calls and has great literary ambitions. Many greats and near greats of the theatrical world come to visit Sheridan in his confinement, including the musical theater genius Beverly Carlton, portrayed by Philip Scholl. On the other end of the scale is Banjo, a loud, buffoonish comedian, played to the hilt by Mark Sloan. Whiteside calls in one of his actress friends, Lorraine Sheldon, to try to break up the budding relationship between Maggie and Bert. Bonnie Locchetta, as Lorraine, vamps it up in high style. Also, Professor Metz, played by Jonathon Norris, brings Sherry a gift that would make most uncomfortable to say the least. Broadcast announcer Tiffany Alexander, as Westcott, tries to reel in some of the madness for Whiteside’s Christmas Eve broadcast. Many others drift in and out of the world of Whiteside, including Pat Coons and Taylor Mock, Michael Best, Steven Locchetta, Daniel Wells, Cody Turner, Mackenzie Wells, Wade Griffin and John Norris, all bringing to life their unique characters. “This is a great show for the whole family,” Locchetta said. “Some of the references of people from the 1930s and ‘40s may go over some heads, but the quick pacing and reactions from the entire cast are more than worth it. When this show ends, you’ll understand what Banjo means by, ‘Did you ever get the feeling that you wanted to go? And still get the feeling that you wanted to stay?’" |