MCCC Theatre Students to Present THE SECRETARIES

The secretarial pool at Cooney Lumber Mill sounds like a dream job for young Patty Johnson - until she discovers the darker side of her office gal pals.

The Mercer County Community College (MCCC) Academic Theatre Program presents "The Secretaries" at the college's Studio Theatre Friday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 10 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. The Studio Theatre is located next to Kelsey Theatre on the college's West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road.

Probing the fine line between female assertiveness and aggression, this sizzling satire was written more than two decades ago, but remains startlingly relevant as it delves into society's cultural expectations of women. Set in the middle of a seemingly perfect secretarial pool, Patty, "the new girl," quickly discovers cracks in the office's perfect façade, starting with the ultra-cool office manager Susan Curtis. Then there's the mandatory diet of weight loss shakes, the strange language the women seem to share - and the monthly disappearance of a lumberjack! Patty soon realizes that these officemates have a "killer" skill set, and it's not something they can put on their resumes!

Says Director Nicole Erkoboni, a 2013 alumna of the MCCC Fine Arts program, "When I was asked to select a show to direct, my mind was spinning with the possibilities. But, it didn't take me long to figure out that "The Secretaries," written by The Five Lesbian Brothers [Maureen Angelos, Babs Davy, Dominique Dibbell, Peg Healey and Lisa Kron], was the way to go. This eye-opening play was introduced to me in an LGBTQ theater course two years ago while I was studying at SUNY-Purchase and it has stuck with me. It's a rare piece of theater that satirically portrays women in clichéd roles while unapologetically shedding light on their day-to-day struggles."

Erkoboni notes that as a Mercer student, she found herself exploring new possibilities and expanding her comfort zone. "And that was all thanks to the theater pieces I was introduced to When I was offered this opportunity, I knew I wanted to open students' minds and creative outlets," she said. "This show hilariously touches on the harsh realities of women's lives, as each character works to fit within the strict social confines she has built for herself. It encompasses their sadness, fear - and power. 'The Secretaries' teaches a message of female empowerment, not only in the workplace, but in everyday life."

The ensemble cast includes Marysa Practico of Hamilton Patty Johnson; Rachel Lemos of Lawrenceville as Susan Curtis; Katherine Beauchamps of Ewing as Ashley Elizabeth Fratangelo; Kayla Salcfas of New Egypt as Peaches Martin; Katie Horahan of East Windsor as Dawn Midnight; and Liam McCormack of Bordentown as Buzz Benikee/Mr. Kembunkscher.

Erkoboni is joined on the production team by Producer/Choreographer Jody Gazenbeek-Person, Stage Manager Nicole Schulnick, Set/Costume Designer Kate Pinner, Lighting Designer Star McCloud, Sound Designer Eric Collins, and Props Mistress Madelyn Morrison Lichtman.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 for students and may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. (This show is appropriate for mature theatergoers who enjoy satire and is not recommended for children.) Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking next to the theater.