Man Who Came to Dinner to be staged

Date: 3/3/2009

By Lori Szepelak

Correspondent



CHICOPEE -- Holyoke Catholic High School students have spent countless hours fine-tuning their comedic skills for their upcoming spring production, The Man Who Came To Dinner.

The stage is now set for the show which will be performed March 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Elms College.

I really enjoyed directing a comedy without music, Eva Stockhamer, director of the Holyoke Catholic Performing Arts Club, said during an interview with Reminder Publications. Our large musical requires the actors to sing and not everyone is interested in that. I was able to work with students I had not worked with from the musical, which was wonderful.

Stockhamer encourages area residents to attend one of the two performances since the production is very funny and appropriate for the family.

There are many characters that come and go, she added. The plot has funny twists and the ending is unexpected.

The story line follows a radio personality in the 1930s who has agreed to dinner at a private home in a small town, then slips on some ice on their front step and is remanded to recuperate at the home of his hosts.

He proceeds to take over their house and has many characters that show up to check on his well-being, Stockhamer said.

Lead performers include P.J. Adzima as Sheridon Whiteside, Mara Palma as his assistant Maggie, Kurt Muraski as Mr. Stanley, Liza Starzyk as Mrs. Stanley, Julie Geoffrey as Lorraine Sheldon and Sam Powell as Burt Jefferson. Fun characters in the production include Beverly Carlton played by Kevin O Connor, Banjo played by Nate Murphy, Professor Metz played by T.J. Zulch, and Harriet Stanley played by Hannah Garvey.

Crew members working behind the scenes include Dr. Frank Croke, lighting director; Darryl Geoffrey, stage manager; and Liz Adzima, on costumes. The cast and crew are also supported by Paul Morey, Andy Boraski, Tony Vieira, Andrew Beauliue and Maureen McDonald on set design.

Tickets for reserved seating are available in advance by calling Diane Kachinski at 322-9028. Tickets will also be available at the door. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.

A 15-minute intermission will be observed during each show and a concession stand will feature baked goods, bottled water and candy.

All proceeds raised from the shows will benefit the future productions of the arts club, according to Stockhamer.