December will kick off with a production by Holliston’s volunteer troupe, the Washington Street Players, at Anthony’s on the Green, at the Pinecrest Golf Course. On December 1, 2, 8 and 9, audience members will enjoy a collection of seven “Short and Sweet” plays by local authors, Jack Neary and Rick Park. The short plays vary in length, with a common theme of “Boston.”
“We did a dinner theater show at the Golf course five years ago when we did a show called ‘Ten Minutes at a Time,’” says Karen Dinehart, who is producing this production and co-directing it with Julie Murphy. “It was very well received, and we sold out four performances. (The restaurant) has wonderful food, and this show is easy to stage there.”
Dinehart explains that the dinner will precede the show, with dessert during intermission. Although players don’t interact with the audience, the intimate venue will allow them to mingle with the crowd during dinner and intermission. Performing in a small space, say Dinehart, creates a fun challenge.
Dinehart explains how she put together the production.
“Jack Neary, one of the playwrights, sent me a play called Five Nickels, so that I could direct it for a festival last year. The festival wound up getting cancelled … When I was searching for show for (WPS), I discovered that Five Nickels was part of a collection of plays called “Senior Circuit.” When I read all five of these plays, I knew it was perfect for what we were looking for. The only problem was that it wasn’t long enough for a full evening. Then I remembered some shows that I saw at a New Works festival called Life’s Half a Glass and Space Savers, by Rick Park, and I realized that if I paired these two up with the other five, I would have a complete night of funny, touching shows all centered around Boston. I contacted the playwrights and they agreed to the idea,” says Dinehart.
The cast is made up of 12 WSP alums: Bill Novakowski, Beth Ristaino, Bunny Porter, Laurie Jeanne Carroll, Joanne Apesos, Amanda Callahan, Rob Murphy, Steve Lillis, Nate Callahan, Alessandra Horton, Judy Davis and James Parr.
The doors will open at 6 p.m. each night, and a buffet dinner of chicken marsala and pasta primavera will be served around 6:30. The performance will start at 7:30 p.m., with dessert and coffee at intermission. There will also be a cash bar available.
Tickets are $40 $38 for seniors and students) and $36 for members, and include dinner. Tickets must be purchased in advance at (508) 306-1442 or wsplayers.net.