Live theatre continues at the Drayton Festival Theatre with the third production set to open this month.
Theatregoers are offered the comedy How the Other Half Loves at the historic opera house for three weeks beginning July 27 and continuing through Aug. 13.
Written by award-winning British playwright Alan Ayckbourn, How the Other Half Loves is a comedy that juggles time and space to portray the passion and panic of three married couples caught in a meal full of mistrust, mistaken identities, and misunderstanding.
Bob Phillip’s liaison with Fiona Foster, the posh wife of his absentminded boss, is in danger of being discovered by their respective spouses. They attempt to wriggle out of suspicion by projecting their infidelity on a third couple – the totally innocent and unsuspecting Featherstones. The collateral damage of the tawdry affair quickly turns into a dinner party to remember.
“How the Other Half Loves is a fun and witty play that showcases three couples’ contrasting lifestyles” said Artistic Director Alex Mustakas. “Hilarious misunderstandings trigger chaos in the lives of these couples, which makes for terrific entertainment.”
Director James Kall leads the cast for this production. He made his Drayton Entertainment directorial debut at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse last summer with the quirky musical comedy The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Not only did he direct the production, but Kall also took the stage in a leading a role. As an actor, Kall has also appeared on Broadway in By Jeeves, in the national tour of Mamma Mia, as well as in several other Drayton Entertainment productions including Dial ‘M’ For Murder, Lost In Yonkers, Man of La Mancha, and Me and My Girl.
The talent in this show includes Rob McClure as Frank Foster, and Marlene Handrahan as his unfaithful wife, Fiona Foster. The adulterous Bob Phillips is played by David Snelgrove, with Daniela Vlaskalic as his confrontational partner, Teresa Phillips.
Drayton Entertainment veterans Keith Savage and Lisa Horner are featured as the innocent Featherstones, William and Mary. Those performers are known for having a great command for comedy and both grabbed audience attention in Hairspray for their portrayal of the over-the-top male and female authority roles in that production.
How the Other Half Loves plays eight shows a week from July 27 through Aug. 13. Tickets are selling quickly and theatregoers are encouraged to book ahead to avoid disappointment. Call the box office at 519-638-5555 or toll free 1-855-372-9866. To find out more about the 2011 season, please visit www.draytonfestivaltheatre.com.
