By John Koski
Correspondent
Dinner, followed by a play, is frequently a delightful combination.
That proposition becomes virtually ironclad with the upcoming Mukwonago Village Players’ production of Tom Dulack’s hilarious play “Breaking Legs,” held in collaboration with Ivan’s on the Square restaurant in East Troy.
The boisterous comedy is set in an Italian restaurant owned by a successful mobster and managed by his beautiful, unmarried daughter. The fun begins when the daughter’s former college professor arrives to ask for financial backing for a play he’s written.
Actors Sondra Gesselle of Walworth (from left), Kevin Koehne of Mukwonago and Trent Smith of Mukwonago rehearse for the Mukwonago Village Players’ “Breaking Legs.” Other cast members include Steve Hay of Delavan, David Linton of Elkhorn and John Gregoles of Lake Geneva. (John Koski photo)
As the play unfolds, the three main Mafiosis are intrigued with the idea of producing the play – but only if they never have to read it – and the daughter becomes enamored with the playwright, who is delighted to have the family’s support.
His bubble is burst when he realizes that his backers are authentic gangsters. Within this madcap situation, murder and menace are served up with plenty of pasta and laughter.
“Breaking Legs” is intended for an adult audience due to language.
The cast consists of Kevin Koehne and Trent Smith from Mukwonago, John Gregoles from Lake Geneva, Steve Hay from Delavan, Dave Linton from Elkhorn and Sondra Gesselle from Walworth.
“We chose the play ‘Breaking Legs’ because it has such a clever story line,” said director Mary Nugent of East Troy. “In addition, the play appealed to me because I thought our actors could have some real fun with it – and they have.”
Nugent noted that she has been involved with community theater since 1974.
“For me, community theater is such a creative outlet,” she said. “The other part is the people I’ve gotten to know. I’ve developed some strong friendships. Plus, it’s just good fun.”
“Breaking Legs” will be performed on the stage at Ivan’s on the Square at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 5 and 6, and Friday, Oct. 12. A matinee performance will be on Sunday, Oct. 14, at 2 p.m.
Tickets for all shows are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors age 60 and older. Diners at Ivan’s on the Square will receive a 10 percent discount by presenting their ticket to their server.
Tickets are available on-line at www.mukwonagovillageplayers.org and can also be purchased at Miller Pharmacy, Espresso Love Coffee and Shanahan’s Coffee House, all in Mukwonago, and at Ivan’s on The Square in East Troy.
For more information, call (262) 470-4786.
