Clague Playhouse’s 85th season celebrates 'Black Tie'
"Black Tie" director Douglas Farren and wife Gloria greeted Clague Playhouse patrons at the Opening Night Reception on May 3. Photo by Mary Levtzow
On Friday, May 3, Clague Playhouse held its Opening Night performance and reception for A. R. Guerney’s "Black Tie" directed by Douglas Farren. The outstanding sensitivity and social comedy concerning events that could happen on the night of one’s wedding rehearsal will touch each theater patron’s heart and memory chords on whatever can go wrong will. The set is phenomenal for a quaint upstate New York resort hotel. One must call for tickets now before this opportunity to laugh and reminisce over wonderful events ends on Sunday, May 26.
Peter Toomey as Curtis, the father of the groom, epitomizes the generational contact between his unique father full of fatherly, perhaps archaic, advice acted by Lou Will and his sensational son, Teddy, acted by Bobby Coyne. Curtis’ wife and Teddy’s mother, Mimi, portrayed by Donna Case, is so sincere and beautiful at trying to bridge the possible generation gap. Enthusiastic Elsie, Teddy’s sister and the daughter of Mimi and Curtis, provides updates that fill the audience in as she is dynamically characterized by Debbie Lenarz. Director Doug Farren did an outstanding job in casting by selecting actors that could emphasize all the foibles and tensions that can build up before a wedding as two different unique individuals express their desire to become one. "Black Tie" had its world premiere in 2011 in an off-Broadway theater in New York City.
The Westlake Historical Society provided two wonderful cakes celebrating the 85th season of excellent theatrical performances at Clague Playhouse. Lysa Stanton and David Pfister, the present Mr. and Mrs. Westlake, presented and served this wonderful cake tribute at the Opening Night Reception.
Clague Playhouse lobby gallery artists for "Black Tie" are members of the Lakewood Art League, who provided beautiful and amazing art works of oils, watercolors, acrylics, mixed media, pastels and print for showcase in the Clague Playhouse Gallery during the production run.
Tickets for "Black Tie" may be purchased during box office hours, Wednesday through Saturday, between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. by calling 440-331-0403. The Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances start at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees starting at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $16 for adults, $15 for seniors (60+) and students, and for this season a special $10 Saturday rate is offered for students with an ID. Cash, check, MasterCard, Visa and Discover are accepted. A 50/50 raffle is being held at each performance with a drawing to raise the additional $341 needed for the Clague Playhouse’s electronic street sign.
Pictures taken by Mary Levtzow
Mary Levtzow
Writer, Hunger volunteer, church volunteer, Clague Playhouse supporter, Child of God, educator, and caring citizen that wants to share important programs to highlight community efforts.