Playcrafters presents ‘In-laws, outlaws, and other people that should be shot’
Christmas Eve is not the time one would expect to have visitors knocking at the door, particularly if they are not carrying presents or singing carols. In Playcrafters’ upcoming stage play by Steven Franco, “In-laws, outlaws, and other people that should be shot,” the title alone should tell you the guest list on this night’s fare might not be all kosher.
“The family has a smorgasbord of stereotypes, and the cast plays them each to the hilt,” said veteran director Tommy Armstrong, who is making his directorial debut at Playcrafters.
It’s 6 p.m. on the eve of Christmas in the Douglas family’s modest upper middle class home in present day Brooklyn. They are readying for their holiday dinner sans mother Janet (played by Allison Fisher), who is out of town and scheduled to fly back home that evening. Her husband Thomas (played by David DiLiberto) bickers with his daughter Beth (played by Olivia Greco) as they begin the preparations. Soon the drama begins when two uninvited guests enter the scene.
After robbing a neighborhood liquor store, two bumbling n’erdo-wells, who are a study in contrasts — high strung and irritable Tony (played by Jeff Frost) and his dim-witted sidekick Vinny (played by Tim Courtney) find themselves in need of a hide-out.
While they snipe at each other as well as weep and whine, levelheaded Thomas keeps everyone in check. Clueless Aunt Rose and stubborn Uncle Leo (played by Barb Hannevig and Pat McGurk) steal the show with their constant spatting. Other family members include Janet’s sister and brother-in-law (played by Kristin Cichowski and Luke Payson) and their daughter (played by Lillian Pyskaty); neighbor Mrs. Wakowski (played by Nancy Kadwill) and her children (played by Sophie Asher and Gryphon Faulkner) as well as the hapless Mrs. Draper (played by Jean Laustsen). The policeman is played by Roie Gat.
“This play is attractive to people who aren’t typical play-goers,” said Armstrong, who mused that the play has somewhat the same affect one would receive from watching favorite movies together with their family, like the Muppets movie or A Christmas Carol. “The writing is compassionate and so are the actors. The show has a wide appeal. For young and old, there’s a little something for everyone.”
A comic treasure that generates a lot of energy and includes some slapstick, too, is sure to leave the audience lighthearted while celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. The hilarity continues right up to the heartfelt ending that concludes with a dramatically rewarding twist.
Producer David Deratzian; Set Design Claire Hughes; BOD Advisor Joe Welsh, Costumes Sherry Yerger.
If you go:
Playcrafters presents “In-laws, Outlaws, and other People…” @ the Barn, 2011 Store Road, Skippack, Pa. 19464
Nov. 9, 10, 11, 17, 18; Dec. 1, 2 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. Tickets $17 Contact 610-584-4005 or www. playcrafters.org