Natick's TCAN Players Present Neil Simon's JAKE'S WOMEN 3/5-3/14

The TCAN Players proudly present Neil Simon's comedy, Jake's Women for six performances March 5-14. The cast (and crew) hails from Natick all the way to Hanover, New Hampshire, and includes a number of newcomers to the firehouse stage.

Jake is a novelist who faces his marital crisis by daydreaming about the women in his life: a revered first wife who was killed in an accident; his daughter as a child and as a young woman; his bossy sister; an opinionated analyst; his current wife who is leaving Jake for another man; and a prospective third wife. The wildly comic and sometimes moving flashbacks played in his mind are only interrupted by visits from the actual women. Directed by Bob Marcus.

Join the cast and crew for an opening night post-performance celebration. Six performances, March 5-14. For tickets and more information visit http://www.natickarts.org/.

Starting as an 11-year old pickpocket in Oliver many years ago, Paul Gillespie (Jake) makes his TCAN debut but is no stranger to the stage as actor or behind the scenes as director. Also in her TCAN premiere is Wellesley consultant and college advisor Elizabeth Duran (Sheila); her acting credits include drama as well as comedy. Sarah Jacobs (Molly at 21) has continued to perform locally after acquiring her degree in theatre arts from Brandeis University last May. New Hampshire resident Pat Langille (Maggie) travels from Hanover for the show, and this is her 20th production since she first began acting in 2006. Young Nora Panahi (Molly at 12) is a seventh-grader who has acted in several area productions, has over eight years of training in classical piano, viola, and guitar, and sings professionally.

The last time we saw Lida McGirr (Karen) on the TCAN stage was in her memorable performance as Olive in The Odd Couple: Female Version. This 2004 EMACT DASH Best Actress award winner has also written short plays that have been performed in a variety of venues. Rachael Robiner (Edith) has enjoyed doing commercials and independent film work, but her passion is the stage. Tennessee native and Boston resident Jourdan Spruill (Julie) spends her days working at a treatment center for adolescents, and her evenings have been filled with many choice acting roles.

TCAN is an authorized 501(c)(3) Public Charity, incorporated as Natick Performing Arts Center, Inc. in 1997. Contributions to TCAN are tax-deductible, to the amount allowable by law.

TCAN provides a cultural center to the MetroWest Boston region, where national and emerging artists present performances, literary events, and art exhibitions in an environment that brings together individuals and families, children and seniors. Classes in music, theatre, dance and visual arts are regularly held for students of all ages.

TCAN's Firehouse venue defines the ideal performance space for music concerts, theatrical and dance presentations, lectures, film programs and special functions in the MetroWest area. This historic (c.1875) Summer Street Firehouse building has been carefully restored as a theatre, art gallery and community center with space to accommodate art exhibits and business offices.