The Actors NET Presents RAINMAKER, 3/11-27

The Actors' NET of Bucks County's March 11 - 27 revival of N. Richard Nash's romantic comedy The Rainmaker promises "a shower of laughs," NET Director Joe Doyle predicted.

Set in the American west of the 1920s, The Rainmaker tells the tale of the Curry Family - the patriarch, H.C.; his sons, practical Noah and impulsive Jim; and his plain daughter, Lizzie. During a widespread drought, the Curry men struggle to save their dying cattle and at the same time find a husband for spinster Lizzie.

Lizzie is considered an ‘old maid' -- in her mid-twenties and unmarried. The future looks bleak for the Curry cattle and daughter until a mysterious stranger named Starbuck appears. He proclaims himself a rainmaker who can bring rain within 24 hours, if paid $100 in advance. H.C. agrees and then tries to play matchmaker between Starbuck and his daughter.

"Meanwhile," Doyle explained, "a young deputy sheriff in town is also being courted by the Curry men as a possible suitor for Lizzie. "But, the sheriff and deputy File are on the hunt for a con man and swindler believed to be heading their way - and his description matches Starbuck perfectly. With a set-up like this, a shower of laughs is sure to follow" actors' net stages Charissa Taylor Lees of Bristol stars as Lizzie opposite veteran area actor Marty Berrien of Lawrenceville, NJ as Starbuck. Popular NET character actor Marco Newton of Yardley costars as H.C. Curry, with Vince Pileggi of Southampton as Noah and Michael Gearty of Langhorne as Jim.

Rounding out the cast is John Helmke of Yardville, NJ as File and James Cordingley of Lawenceville, NJ as the sheriff. Matthew Cassidy of Morrisville stage manages. Set design is by Mark Versprille of Clinton, NJ. Lighting design is by Andrena Wishnie of Morrisville. It is produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

"Audiences may remember the classic 1956 film version of The Rainmaker, which starred Burt Lancaster and Katharine Hepburn," Doyle noted. "We're making no attempt to copy that version. We're attacking this material with a fresh eye and our cast is making these wonderful characters their own. It promises to be a memorable show."

Running weekends March 11 - 27, The Rainmaker performs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The Heritage Center is located 635 N. Delmorr Avenue (Route 32), Morrisville - near the Calhoun Street Bridge. Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $10 for children 12 and under.

To reserve, call the nonprofit theatre company at 215-295-3694 or email actorsnet@aol.com. The NET website is www.actorsnetbucks.org. Those wishing to purchase tickets on-line may do so at www.brownpapertickets.com.