Cary Players' Comedy Opens April 25 at Cultural Center 4/14/08

Spies, romance, silly magic tricks and the wonderful wit of Woody Allen are all on tap when Cary Players' production of “Don't Drink the Water” opens April 25 at Holly Springs Cultural Center.

This comedy delighted audiences when produced by David Merrick on Broadway and was the first of Allen's plays to make it to the big screen in the 1969 movie starring Jackie Gleason.

Show times at the Cultural Center are:

• Fridays, April 25 and May 2 at 8 p.m.
• Saturdays, April 26 and May 3 at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
• Thursday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for seniors and students. Students and teachers are invited to see the May 1 show for the special price of $7. Get tickets at etix.com or visit the Cultural Center box office weekdays from 9 a.m. until noon and 1-4 p.m. Call (919) 567-4000 more information.

Audiences of all ages are invited. However, some of the humor is not suited for young children. Parental guidance is suggested.

The mad-capped comedy is set in the 1960's, somewhere behind the Iron Curtain. A cast of 20 talented local actors bring Allen's timeless, clever quips to life.

When Walter Hollendar, a New Jersey caterer played by Phil Crone, inadvertently snaps vacation photos of a military site, he sets off suspicions of international spying. Chased by secret police Chief Krojack, played by Phil Lowden, Walter seeks refuge in the U.S. Embassy with wife Marion, played by Debra Grannan, and daughter Susan, played by Alena Campiz.

The family is under the care of the ambassador's incompetent son, Axel, who is quickly smitten by the lovely Susan. The role of Axel is embraced enthusiastically by Loren Armitage in his first Cary Players production.

“It's as if the role was written for him,” says director Matt Schedler. “We are fortunate in that our entire cast is very funny, and very experienced.”

In addition to acting and directing with Cary Players, Schedler is a regular performer with the Bare Theatre Company, Raleigh Little Theatre, and the N.C. Renaissance Faire.

Master carpenter Jon Dietz has created the set. Carole Kelly is the props master, and Amanda Edgerton is the costumer. Lighting and sound are designed by Michael Lefler and Al Wodarski, respectively.

Holly Springs Cultural Center opened in December 2006 and adjoins a Wake County branch library. The center is at 300 W. Ballentine St., a block from Holly Springs Town Hall.

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Town of Holly Springs - PO Box 8 - 128 South Main Street - Holly Springs, NC 27540 - (919) 552-6221 - Holly.Springs@hollyspringsnc.us