Right place, right time
Sloan says ‘Getting Sarah Married’ perfect for Valentine’s Day, MTG facility
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| Bill Griffith and Paula Michelle Rybak perform in the Morris Theatre Guild's production of "Getting Sara Married". Griffith plays Brandon Cade and Rybak plays the main character Sara Hastings, a single lawyer whose crazy aunt tries to set her up with ineligible men. (Herald Photo by Lisa Pesavento — lpesavento@morrisdailyherald.com) |
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SHOW TIMES
Morris Theatre Guild Director Damon Sloan specifically chose the current production to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
“Getting Sarah Married,” which opens tonight, is a perfect comedy romance to see during the month of February, Sloan said.
“It’s a cute romantic comedy. It’s very silly,” said Sloan. “It’s perfect for couples to come out and see.”
The play is about Sara, a single lawyer living in New York City. She’s very happy with single life, but Aunt Martha believes something is missing for her niece.
The one-set show centers on Aunt Martha’s determination to find Sara a husband. Her heart may be in the right place, but her methods leave something to be desired.
Aunt Martha selects someone she thinks is perfect husband material — Brandon. But Brandon is already engaged. How Aunt Martha gets him to meet Sara and the problems it causes will keep you laughing all the way through Valentine’s Day.
Sloan selected the comedy by writer Sam Bobrick because he has written about 35 shows with minimal scene changes and minimal props; perfect for venues like Morris Theatre Guild.
“It’s a community theatre director’s dream,” said Sloan. “It’s like he wrote it for a place like Morris Theatre Guild.”
This is Sloan’s second time directing for Morris Theatre Guild. His first show at the Guild was also written by Bobrick.
“It was a wild success,” he said.
“Getting Sara Married” stars Paula Rybak (Morris) as Sara, Bill Griffith (Plainfield) as the unsuspecting Brandon, Michelle Vrtis (Ottawa) as well-meaning Aunt Martha, Alyssa Rogers (Morris) as Brandon’s fiancé Heather and Jim Welch (Morris) as Noogie Malloy, who assists Aunt Martha in her wacky scheme.
Morris’ Matt Root also has a walk-on part in the play.
For Morris Theatre Guild regulars, this will be Welch’s first time back on stage at the Guild in two years. Welch has been a “fixture” around the Guild since 1987, said Sloan.
“Anyone who’s ever seen him act at Morris Theatre Guild knows what Jim is all about,” said Sloan. “He takes comedic roles to the next level. He’s a hoot.”
Welch is happy to be back to the Guild as well.
“It’s something that gets in your blood, if you really love it like I do,” he said.
“I think it’s nice to come back and do something light and humorous. Audiences will love the show.”
Since the play was chosen especially for Valentine’s Day, it’s fitting that Sloan chose his own girlfriend, Ana Rossetti, to create the show’s set.
Both Sloan and Rossetti work in higher education, and both have a passion for the arts — hers in visual arts and his in performance arts.
“It’s just so unique that we share both of those,” said Sloan. “It’s great to have her as part of the collaborative process.”
This is the first time Rossetti has designed a set. She currently resides in Chicago but once lived in New York City.
“So she knows what a single girl in New York would live like,” said Sloan.
“Getting Sara Married” is the perfect show for couples who want to come out and see a nice romantic comedy, or a group of friends who want a good laugh, said Sloan.
“It’s a short show,” Sloan said. “It’s a good night out and there’s still time to have dinner and drinks.”
“Getting Sara Married” runs Feb. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased online at morristheatreguild.com or at the door.
Purchasing tickets in advance or calling the theatre in advance will result in a $3 savings.
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