MANN SHOW 2008 Presents "THE DINING ROOM"

The company of THE DINING ROOM has just completed its third performance of five. The houses have been full, and the reviews have been impressive. Drama professionals from The Warehouse Theatre, The School District of Greenville County, SC Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, The Fine Arts Center of Greenville County, Christ Church Episcopal School, Mauldin and Hillcrest High Schools, and Greenville Technical College have attended the play...more are coming. So far, their comments have been very complimentary.

Almost half the cast (BROOKE ALBERSON, MOLLY DAVIS, LUKE DOUGLAS, JOSH EDWARDS, SID HALTIWANGER, GABBY HAMMOND, ALEX HOUMANN, KENNY NUNEZ, JUSTIN SEAY) are either acting in a play for the first time, or acting with J.L. Mann for the first time. Each has done an outstanding job—especially when you consider the difficulties of playing to such an up-close and personal audience.

Veterans have provided leadership, while making great strides themselves. Sophomores REID COX, CALEY and KIERSTY DeGROOTE, and CASEY WILSON have stepped up into much larger parts, and performed quite well. These four actors are on stage at the start of the show, end of the first act, start of the second act, and close of the show. They anchor the play for us, which is no small task. And each is very good.

Juniors BLAKE BOWEN and TORY LeCLAIR are scary-good. Both give solid, film-like performances worthy of note. Tory's Aunt Harriet has become a highlight of the show. And Blake's subtle, world-weary Richard who must endure his father's funeral plans is a performance almost everyone talks about after.

Our seniors are outstanding. JAY BRIDGEMAN not only gets laughs as two very different fathers trying to deal with their children, but his Master Carpenter work has been rock solid. BRIDGET CATE's lovely setting-the-table scene has become one of the show's most powerful, most memorable moments. JOCELIN LEHNER's vulnerable daughter asking to move back home is this production's heart, I think. She brings such sympathy to an otherwise unsympathetic character. ROSS OVINGTON's funeral-obsessed patriarch is a picture of perfect comic timing, adept characterization, and understated desperation. MICHAEL REALMUTO brings wit and wistfulness to each of his characters, and his exit after learning that his mother has been having an affair with a family friend is a picture of adolescent pain. NICOLE SCHMIDT steals the scene and show with her ever-helpful, language-challenged maid Bertha. KNOX WHITE plays his grumpy, rich grandfather with power and vulnerability...every choice pitch perfect.

The play's support staff has been excellent. SEBASTIAN GRIER hosts the show with confidence and style. BRANDON BROWN and BROOKE ALBERSON manage the stage like old pros. PHILLIP CALVIN couldn't be any smarter...have better taste...be more dependable with the technical aspects of the show. NOELLE LAI's costumes work wonderfully. And SALLY HALTIWANGER manages the house (and delivers pizzas) like none other.

Two more performances to go. Production photos will be available soon. If you've not seen THE DINING ROOM, you have two more chances. Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 3. Don't miss this outstanding production.