Holiday comedy opens Dec. 29
By Tracy Ouellette
SLN Staff
The Off the Square Players are offering a respite from the holiday hustle and bustle with their comedy “The Regifters” over the New Year’s weekend.
“It can be a little bit stressful this time of year, and if anyone is looking for something funny and entertaining with a good message, we invite them to come see the show,” Director Mary Hubbard Nugent said.
The play, written by Robert Lynn, is being produced by special arrangement with Heuer Publishing LLC, and offers a hilarious look into the lives of three couples caught up in a regifting circle.
“These couples are all a little bit jaded about the holidays in different ways,” Nugent said. One has a mother-in-law who’s bent on spoiling the holidays.
“The mother-in-law, who’s being played by Judy Atkinson, is an interesting character, she keeps praying for someone to smite the daughter-in-law.”
Nugent said the cast has been having a lot of fun with the play.
“I’ve worked with this cast before and they’re so talented,” she said. “They’re having a lot of fun with this and hopefully the audience will notice the little things they’re doing to add in more humor.”
Nugent said the community has been so supportive of the Players efforts, with Ivan’s providing them with a venue and the Lions Club and Sammy’s offering space for them to rehearse.
“We couldn’t do this without everyone’s support,” she said. “There’s a real sense of community with this production.”
The Players are giving back with the play; part of the proceeds will be going to Helping Hands of St. Peter the Apostle Church.
“This is an ongoing thing with the group,” Nugent said. “They’ve helped out the Friends of the Library with annual plays, too.”
In the spirit of the play, patrons are invited to bring a wrapped item to “regift” after the show.
“It will be fun seeing what people get,” Nugent said.
After 7:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve showing, Nugent will lead a countdown to an “It’s Midnight Somewhere” champagne toast at 10 p.m.
“Come out, see the show, have a drink and have a good time,” Nugent urged. “Maybe even make dinner reservations at Ivan’s and make it an evening on the square.”
Cast members are: Judy Atkinson, East Troy; Pam Jones, Elkhorn; Laura Larson, Mukwonago; Tim Neubeck, East Troy; John Roberts, Mukwonago; Ann Wales, Elkhorn; Brian Wales, Elkhorn; Jenna Watkins, Mukwonago; and Tim West, East Troy.
Production crew includes: Dawn Benedict, East Troy; Michael Benedict, East Troy; Jody Pogorzelski, Honey Creek; Greg Klas, Waterford; and Chuck Dimick, East Troy.
“The Regifters” runs Dec. 29 through 31 at Ivan’s on the Square, 2087 Division St., East Troy.
Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 29 and 30 and 3 p.m. on Dec. 31. Tickets are $10 and available at Ivan’s. On New Year’s Eve, there will be a 7:30 p.m. showing of the play followed by a champagne “midnight” toast at 10 p.m. Tickets for this showing are $15.
Proceeds from the play, directed by Mary Hubbard Nugent, will benefit St. Peter’s Helping Hands. “The Regifters” is produced by special arrangement with Heuer Publishing LLC.
For reservations, tickets or more information, call (262) 642-7107.
