Theater group, library friends team up for comedy production
By Tracy Ouellette
SLN Staff
The Off the Square Players and the Friends of the East Troy Lions Public Library are once again teaming up to present an adult comedy at Ivan’s Backstage in East Troy.
“Fox on the Fairway,” by Ken Ludwig, is the fifth collaboration between the Players and the Friends to raise money for the library’s programs.
“This year’s fundraiser is a little different,” play director Mary Nugent said. “For the last four years, we’ve been doing murder-mysteries but this year we wanted to shake things up a bit.”
The comedy, which is not for kids, tells the story of two competing country clubs which go head to head in a golf tournament, Nugent said.
The play is set during the “Inter-Club Golf Tournament.” With a sizable wager at stake, the contest plays out amidst three love affairs, a disappearing diamond ring, objectionable sweaters and an exploding vase.
“There are twists and turns and all the humor that comes with mistaken relationships, mistaken identities and the other things people mistake about other people,” she said.
Nugent said directing this play was on her ‘bucket list’ because she’s been a fan of Ludwig’s work for years.
“One thing that really attracted me to this play was the golf theme,” Nugent said. “We have a lot of golfers around here and with all the golf humor in the show, I think they’ll connect with it.”
Nugent said the show will feature some familiar faces and some newcomers to liven things up.
“One of the couples is from Delavan, Joan and Steve Hay,” she said. “I first met Steve in 1974 and we’ve been doing plays on and off again since then. He and his wife add so much to a production.”
One of the newcomers is from Woodstock, Illinois, Nugent said. He is such a fan of Ludwig’s shows, when he found out about this production, he wanted to be part of it.
“The cast is having a lot of fun with this one. They’re all very good in their roles, we have a strong cast,” Nugent said.
The cast includes Cece Danovich, Brendan Gaughan, Pamela Jones, Tim West, Steve Hay, Joan Hay and Tim Neubeck.
Apprentice Lauren Parker is helping with set construction and design. Chuck Dimick is producing the play.
Friends of the East Troy Lions Public Library sponsored the play with special arrangements with the Samuel French Publishing Co.
“Fox on the Fairway” will open at Ivan’s Backstage, 2093 Division St., on Friday, Oct. 5, at 7:30 p.m., with additional performances at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 6, 12 and 13 and 2 p.m. on Oct. 14.
Ivan’s Backstage will once again feature a signature drink during all performances.
Tickets are $15 and are available at Ivan’s on the Square, 2087 Division St.; the East Troy Lions Public Library, 3094 Graydon Ave.; or at www.brownpapertickets.com.
Seating is limited, advance purchases are recommended. Because of the adult nature of the show, children are not allowed.
For more information, call Nugent at 262-470-8570.
