ITAC - The Iowa Theatre Artists Company opens its fifth production of the 2010 Season on September 17 with The Cemetery Club, a comedy by Ivan Menchell. The four-week run of performances is scheduled over a five week period, with one week off for Amana’s Oktoberfest the weekend of October 1st through the 3rd. Performance times are Fridays; 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm, Saturdays; 7:30 pm, and Sundays; 1:30 pm, with the production closing on October 17.
The Cemetery Club follows the story of three widows who meet one Sunday each month to visit the graves of their departed husbands. Their routine is interrupted when they run into a local widower at the cemetery on one of their outings, which causes a range of new emotions to emerge among the women following this unexpected meeting. Each has to consider how the introduction of this newcomer into their lives will affect their outlook on dating, friendship and life as they have known it. The Washington Journal described it as “An evening of pure pleasure that will make you glad you went to the theatre.”
Audiences will recognize four of the cast members from previous productions at ITAC and at various theatres throughout Eastern Iowa. Co-Producer and Co-Founder of ITAC, Meg Merckens (South Amana) plays Lucille, the most out-going and energetic of the widowed threesome, fully ready to get back into the dating scene. Rachael Lindhart (Iowa City) is Doris, the most traditional and least willing to change her monthly homage to her husband, Abe. Ida, played by newcomer, Judy Gardner (St. Peter, Minnesota) finds herself confused as to whose advice she should follow until everything changes with the chance meeting of long-time acquaintance, Sam played by her real-life husband, actor Robert Gardner (St. Peter, Minnesota). Paula Grady (Cedar Rapids) rounds out the cast as Mildred. Mary O’ Sullivan of Cedar Rapids makes her directorial debut at ITAC with the fall comedy.
The Cemetery Club marks the Gardners second time performing together in a full-length stage comedy, though both have acting credits at various theatres on their own. Following the first week of rehearsal, Robert Gardner noted that the show “...is a funny, funny play and surprisingly touching. It’s a fine cast and I finally get to be a nice guy.” His wife and co-performer, Judy Gardner added, “It’s wonderful to have the chance to play an optimistic older woman who is not afraid to take chances.”
Ticket prices are $25 for adults and $10 for students. Group rates and a FlexCard Savings program are available. For information and reservations, call: 319-622-3222 or visit: www.iowatheatreartists.org
1 comment:
Would love to be close enough to see this, just for the opportunity to see Judy and Rob "do their thing" again! Break a leg!! Judy and Cline Preble, Litchfield Park, AZ.
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