Theatrical Review: Morning’s at Seven

MORNING’S AT SEVEN
Written by: Paul Osborn
Directed by: Sue Butler*
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented The Center Stage Players* production of “Morning‘s At Seven” by Paul Osborn. The play is about a dysfunctional family from the 1930‘s who eventually learn from the adage, “You‘re only as sick as your secrets.” Their journey to this realization is filled with a great deal of humor which allowed each member of the audience to recognize their own relational peculiarities through a great deal of laughter.

The play was funny, produced well, and was an enjoyable theatrical experience. But, what made this production a real treat was to watch actors demonstrated their love for the theatrical arts performing on stage. This love went far beyond the love of being seen on stage to receive the adoration of fans (real or imagined). This love showed the dedication each actor has for his/her craft in which they endeavor to do the work to bring their character to life in a real and meaningful way. This work enhances the production and as it does the audience’s experience of it as they are more likely able to see themselves in each portrayal.

The cast consisted of Dave Hymes who portrayed Theodore (Thor) Swanson the Uncle often finds himself amazed by the antics of others, Pat Van Varick who portrayed Cora Swanson Thor’s wife who’s secret resentments creates in her a desire to live out their lives alone, Katherine Neville* (Center Stage Players’* Secretary) who portrayed Aaronetta Gibbs one of Cora’s sisters who lives with Cora and Thor while holding a secret about a dynamic of her relationship with them deep within her heart, Judy lawler who portrayed Ida Bolton Aaronetta and Cora’s sister and next door neighbor who is torn between her desire to have her son live with her forever and realizing his need to live his own life while endeavoring to hid the secret of her husband’s mental condition from the world, Jack Butler* who (while also serving as the Assistant Director) portrayed Carl Bolton Ida’s Husband who secret feelings of regret over his life’s decisions leads him to “spells” of debilitating depression, Patrick Turner* who portrayed Homer Bolton who secret conflicts between his desires to live his life while remaining his mother’s child leads to difficulties in realizing the full potentials of a romantic relationship, Barbara Jane Calchera who portrayed Myrtle Brown Homer’s long termed fiancé who is the production’s token “Normal” person who beings as excitement among the other characters as they meet someone from the outside of their dysfunctional restraints, Sue Butler who (while also serving as the Director) portrayed Esther Crampton Cora, Aaronetta, and Ida’s sister who secretly fears being along while wishing to be free of her controlling husband’s effects on her ability to be with her sisters, and Scott E. McIntosh who portrayed David Crompton Esther’s husband who learns his need to control and punish those who disobey him only leads to isolation and a more unpredictable life.

The Center Stage Players* production of “Morning‘s At Seven” by Paul Osborn was Directed by Sue Butler* (Center Stage Players’* President) with Jack Butler* Assisting (both of whom also created the set design) and Stage Managed by Lillian Ramirez-Gonzalez* (Center Sage Players‘* Secretary and served the production as a member of the box office staff). The Vice-President of The Center Stage Players is Mary Erm*. The Lighting Designer was Arthur Ritter. The Lighting and Sound Technicians were Eric Dwyer* and Marie Cannon. The Executive Director of The Shawnee Playhouse* is Midge McClosky* while the producers are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood. Group Sales of their productions are handled by Mary Horn* while The Shawnee Playhouse publicity is handled by Amy Cramer*. The Box office staff includes Kasey Mesko, Kristen Gehling, and Barbara Ross.

This production of “Morning‘s At Seven” by Paul Osborn will continue its run at The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until October 26th and is recommended for those who would enjoy laughing at the characters in this play as the expose their secrets while discovering their own. The next Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA production will be “Blithe Spirit” by Noel Coward to be performed October 31st - November 9th. Those who enjoy the Passionate Art Lover level of membership in The Forwardian Arts Society are offered a $2.00 discount off the admission fee of The Shawnee Playhouse* Productions (excluding Children Theatrical Productions and those presented by non Shawnee Production Companies). Please contact The Shawnee Playhouse* at 570-421-5093 for more information and to reserve your ticket.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.