"The Man Who Came to Dinner"

November 2002

The Minstrel Players Announce Winter 2003 Production

The Minstrel Players Theater Company, Long Island's most enthusiastic theatrical voice, prepares for their fifth performance at their new home -the Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main Street in scenic Northport Village. They are following their highly acclaimed staging of "Deathtrap" this past fall. Next up for the Minstrels is Moss Hart's comedy classic, "The Man Who Came To Dinner". This winter production will run Saturday, February 8th, 15th, 22nd and March 1st at 8:00 P.M. and Sunday, February 9th, 16th, 23rd and March 2nd at 3:00 P.M.

"The Man Who Came To Dinner" is directed by Minstrel co-founder, Ray Palen, and features a cast of old and new faces to the Minstrel family. The ensemble cast for this suspense classic includes: Ray Palen (Sheridan Whiteside), Karen Keenan (Maggie Cutler), Tara Palen (Lorraine Sheldon), Rick Mohr (Mr. Stanley), Irene Hourigan (Mrs. Stanley), Karen Ottomano (Nurse Preen), Jef. Lawrence (Bert Jefferson), Jim Thomas (Dr. Bradley), Peter Guarascio (Beverly Carlton), Tom Williams (Banjo), Jennifer McCue (June Stanley), John Anthony Casale (Richard Stanley) and many others. Keeping everything running smoothly are Debbie Palen (Asst. Director/House Mgr.), Tara Palen (Artistic Director), Rob Cashman (Technical Director) and Lawrence Rosenberg (Lighting). Ray and Debbie Palen are Northport residents and they enjoy bringing quality theater to the Northport area. 

"Man" was not only a hugely successful Broadway hit (recently revived with Nathan Lane) but was also made into a popular movie in 1942 that starred Monty Wooley, Bette Davis, Anne Sheridan and Jimmy Durante, among others. The story involves famous author/orator/radio personality, Sheridan Whiteside, paying a visit to the Mesalia, Ohio, home of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley during one of his book tours. A piece of ice on their front stoop and one fractured hip later finds Mr. Whiteside is confined to the Stanley household for the Christmas season. He proceeds to not only take over control of their household but also meddles in the affairs of the entire family! Crazy gifts are delivered, radical dinner guests appear and a never-ending stream of Whiteside's eccentric friends drop by to keep this fast-paced comedy moving at a frantic clip. The best part of this production is that every single role (there are over 30 of them) is funny and truly represents classic ensemble acting.

The Minstrel Players are committed to bringing high quality, affordable theater to the Long Island Region. Tickets are $12.00 each and $10.00 for Seniors (Sunday performances only). There will be a special price of $10 for all seats on Opening Night. In addition, there will be a special Dinner Theatre performance on Saturday, March 1st at a total cost of $25/person. For more information please call (631)754-4246. You can also visit the Minstrel Player’s official website at www.minstrelplayers.org, for more information about the group. Hope to see you at the show!

February 2003
Posted on Deb's Web

ONE PERSON'S (RE)VIEW

Bernie Caprera at The Minstrel Players' "The Man Who Came to Dinner" 

I recently had the pleasure of seeing the Minstrel Players production
of Moss Hart's "The Man Who Came to Dinner" and I thought it was great.
Director Ray Palen (with the assistance of his wife, Debbie) molded this
"chestnut" into a tightly, fast paced production. I believe that the 
opening sequence shapes the pace, timing, and energy level for the 
entire play, and, I was not disappointed. The ensemble cast not only 
nailed the opening, but carried it throughout and they all appeared to
have fun along the way.
Everyone did a superb job on stage and behind the scenes to make this 
play fresh and hysterical. It is difficult saluting only a few players
in this production which has a "cast of thousands" since they all deserve
accolades, but, I would be remiss in not acknowledging Ray Palen (Sheridan
Whiteside), Karen Ottomano (Nurse Preen), Karen Keenan (Maggie Cutler), 
Jef. Lawrence (Bert Jefferson), Tara Palen (Lorraine Sheldon), Peter 
Guarascio (Beverly Carlton) and Tom Williams (Banjo) for doing a wonderful
job and keeping me laughing throughout. This is a fun evening and the 
audience thoroughly enjoyed every minute. It runs for two more weekends 
(for info: www.minstrelplayers.org), so, if you are looking for a night 
out with plenty of laughs, look no further. Don't miss it.