A Delightfully Comedic Evening with The Man Who Came to Dinner at Village Playbox
by April Johnson
Held in the neighborhood church’s recreation center, First Presbyterian Church of Haddon Heights is a hidden jewel that houses theater company The Villagers Playbox. As a first-time visitor (surprisingly), I was welcomed by the friendly staff and led into the intimate auditorium occupying a full house on opening night.
The Man who Came to Dinner, a three act play written in 1939 by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, produced by Sam H. Harris; premiered on Broadway at the Music Box Theatre on October 16, 1939. The production played 739 performances. The 1980 revival was nominated for Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Roderick Cook) and Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Carrie Nye). The 2000 revival was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play (Jean Smart) and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Lewis J. Stadlen).
It may be beginning to look a lot like Christmas, but one slip-up can completely change its course. In this production, there appeared to be several regarding love, caretaking, show business and matching wits. Sheridan Whiteside – critic, lecturer, wit, radio orator, intimate friend of the great and near great – having dined at the Midwest home of the Stanleys in Mesalia, Ohio, slips on their doorstep and breaks his hip. The result is a tumultuous six weeks of confinement. Possibility: "Christmas may be postponed this year." So runs the lead article in the Christmas 1939 issue of Time magazine. Whiteside turns the Stanley household upside down, forcing everyone in town to cater to his egotistical demands. Meanwhile, his essential secretary has given her notice after falling in love with a local reporter (aspiring playwright), and Whiteside must engage every weapon in his considerable arsenal of guile and manipulation to keep her in his employ – including blackmail, deceit, and the intervention of the fading sexpot actress Lorraine Sheldon and the elegant British wit of playwright Beverly Carlton. A three-ring circus of machinations and celebrity appearances ensues (Concord Theatricals).
Chockfull of talent, this hefty cast was a smorgasbord of variety to serve and satisfy every audience member’s palate. Ed Silberman was masterful and fantastic as the caustic and calculating ringmaster Sheridan “Sherrie” Whiteside. It’s a wonder how much training, timing, and thought it took embody this character, let alone maneuver that time appropriate wheelchair. EmilyAnne MacDermott gave a performance that evoked compassion along with encouragement from her audience as Maggie Cutler, Sheridan’s efficient secretary. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley were befittingly portrayed by Doug Cohen and co-director/Production Manager Natasha Thompson, who seamlessly stepped in at the last moment. Zo Lynnie and Jonathan Wallace shined as June and Richard Stanley, the starry-eyed siblings seeking their own paths of life. Sheila MacDonald was remarkable as Harriet Stanley, the eccentric sister of Mr. Stanley. Bert Jefferson, the aspiring playwright, and object of Maggie’s affection was heartwarmingly portrayed by Michael Hicks. Amber Kusching was a treat as Sarah, the delightful cook for the Stanley household. John Blackwell gave a steady performance as the composed butler who served the Stanleys and their guests with grace. Miss Preen, the nurse who started as pleasant and progressed to being unnerved was superbly staged by Rebecca Friedman. Chuck Klotz’ comedic timing was top notch as the stoic and dry humored Dr. Bradley. Lorraine Sheldon, the scandalous yet misunderstood vixen was thoughtfully approached with a sense of humanity by Samantha Wentz. Scott Reynolds put on quite a performance of comedic impressionism as Beverly Carlton. Ethan M. Rundell served a belly full of laughs as the hilarious and comical coup de grace Banjo, an amalgamation of legendary artists of that period. Stu Sklar was a humorous hit as the peculiar Professor Metz. Bill Binder’s cameo performance as Henderson had us yearning for more stage time. Rounding out the cast were the fantastic Samantha Harner as Mrs. Dexter/Choir, Donna Allen as Mrs. McCutcheon, Alaina Campbell, Jen Campbell, Beth Fand Incollingo as the Choir, along with Stu Sklar. Frank Zerns and Fred DeFeo displayed their talent of various characters such as Baker/Sandy/Westcott/ Stalwart Man and Expressman/Radio Man/Michelson. Each ensemble member had their opportunity for comedic expression.
Steve Allen and Natasha Thompson, the dynamic co-directing team led this fantastic cast with intentional direction and along with open space for the actors to express comedy, calamity and most of all, humanity. Erin Blackwell served as Stage Manager. Chrissy Wick lent her talents as Line Director. Set Design was by Steve Allen who gave the Stanley home a feel of time-appropriate coziness. Bill Binder, Mike Tursi, and Ken Van Dyk teamed up for Set Construction. Costuming was impeccably designed by Donna Allen, Sheila McDonald and Agnes Kaiser. Lights and Sound was created by Gary Kochey. Concessions was gracefully coordinated by Anita Rowland.
The production was successful in transporting their audience to the golden age of fashion and entertainment laced with a bit of scandal and loaded with great physical comedy and impersonations. An extremely entertaining homage to the 1930s, the prominent celebrities, the movement, and mystery; The Man Who Came to Dinner is a must-see!
The lesson learned in this production—remember to add salt (if you know what I mean)!
Performances will continue on Feb. 1, 7, 8, 14 & 15, 2025 @ 8:00pm; Feb. 2 & 9, 2025 @ 3:00pm at First Presbyterian Church of Haddon Heights, 28 Seventh Avenue, Haddon Heights, NJ 08035. The venue is Handicap accessible. Purchase your tickets online and save $2 off the "At The Door" price at http://www.villageplaybox.org/tix/checkoutmainstage.htm.
