Interview: ONE SLIGHT HITCH Premieres at Old Opera House
By: Johnna Leary Feb. 02, 2016
A wedding should be a perfect romantic occasion...... so it's the perfect setting for the day when everything that can go wrong does, in the new Lewis Black comedy One Slight Hitch.
It's 1981 and Courtney's wedding day has arrived. Her mother, Delia, is making sure every last detail is perfect...... right until the doorbell rings, Courtney's ex-boyfriend shows up and all hell breaks loose! The cast quickly connected while working on One Slight Hitch, directed by Glenn Frail.
"This cast is a wonderful ensemble with a sincere respect for its leadership. And Glenn Frail is worthy of such respect. He knew what he wanted and was very clear in his direction" said Jeff Czerbinski, who plays Sherman "Doc" Coleman.
"I am still a relative rookie, and I have learned so much from working with such a talented cast, director and these gifted people" said Linda Romero, who plays Delia Coleman.
"I have truly enjoyed working in this play. From the people I worked with to bringing life to this play, it has been a blast and I think the audience will understand why" said Allyna Wilson, who plays P.B.
"The opportunity to work with some amazingly talented actors has been the most enjoyable part. We have really jelled as a cast and are having a blast!" said Jen George on playing Courtney
In a fast-paced farce, the cast faced several challenges with their characterizations and the overall timing.
"The most challenging part of this production has been figuring out how to 'raise the stakes'. In my case, I am playing a character who is different from myself and trying to find the motivation for her actions has been a challenge. In a farce, every character needs to find their source of energy, be it from wedding jitters, keeping the ex-boyfriend out of mom's sight, or just trying to keep under the radar before someone flies of the handle!" said Elizabeth Ricketts on playing Melanie. "Figuring out what makes my character who she is and executing that onstage is challenging, but rewarding" added George.
"It's a farce and perfectly timed entrances and exits are so important. But that's what makes it funny!" said Romero
"Holding back is difficult in this play. There is a lot of potential to get emotionally ahead of the script. It's written in a manner that could lend itself to peaking too soon. So it's been a challenge to observe an emotional arc that leads to a satisfying conclusion without wearing an audience out" said Czerbinski.
The cast is ready to present this heartwarming farce to an audience this weekend.
"Lewis Black has written a funny, but heartwarming show. There are so many moments the audience is sure to love, and relate to. That's the great thing about a farce! We can see ourselves in these characters and relate to the craziness around them!" said George
"These are characters living honestly within the pages of Lewis Black's script. They are identifiable, they are appealing, and they are funny. This is a really intelligently written farce, and not reduced to circus antics for laughs. It is genuinely funny" said Czerbinski
"It will make people laugh. It shows the funny chaos every family has and their love for each other. Also, it takes place in the 80's so I believe those in the audience who grew up around the 80's will have a sincere appreciation of the time period" said Wilson
"It's very funny and touching and so relatable. Everyone will identify with at least one of the characters" said Romaro. "One Slight Hitch offers at least one character with which every person can identify. Whether you are the hopeless romantic looking for Mr. Right, a mother dreaming of your child's wedding day, the lost soul seeking fulfillment through grand gestures, or the cynic who thinks marriage is joke, you will find this play relatable" said Ricketts.
One Slight Hitch also features Charles Ochs as Ryan and Alan Harner as Harper. One Slight Hitch will run February 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 at the Old Opera House, located at 204 N. George Street, Charles Town, WV. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 PM and Sunday matinee performances are at 2:30 PM.. Tickets are $19 for adults at Friday and Saturday evening performances, $17 for adults at Sunday matinees and $12 for students at all performances. Please call 304-725-4420 or visit www.oldoperahouse.org to make reservations.
Photo Credit: Old Opera House
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