The Chester Theatre Group presented the comedy The Cocktail Hour by A. R. Gurney on Friday and Saturday at 8 pm November 5 to the 19 and Sunday at 2 pm, November 13 and 20, 2011, at the Black River Playhouse, located at the corner of Grove Street and Maple Avenue in Chester, NJ.  READ THE PRESS REVIEW

Winner of the Lucille Lortel Award as Best Off-Broadway Play. A long-run New York success, this witty, perceptive play blends mordant humor with moments of affecting poignancy. “THE COCKTAIL HOUR is as funny and moving as The Dining Room…it could be the best play he has done so far.” —The New Yorker.

“It makes for a deliciously funny and also occasionally touching evening, as Gurney’s family sit around raking over old coals and settling old scores with a quite new and beguiling freshness.” —NY Post. “The lines in the play crackle and pop with an electricity all their own.” — Drama-Logue.…”when I watch Gurney at his best, as he is here, I laugh through the tears.” —NY Daily News.

The Cocktail Hour was directed by Cindy Alexander (Annandale). The cast included: Michael Foley (Andover) , Penny Hoadley (Brookside), AnnDonne Pepito (Somerset), and Steve Catron (Mendham).

The time is the mid ’70s, the place a city in upstate New York. John, a playwright, returns to his family’s house, bringing with him a new play which he has written about them. His purpose is to obtain their permission to proceed with production, but his wealthy, very proper parents are cautious from the outset. For them the theatre is personified by the gracious, comforting era of the Lunts and Ina Claire, and they are disturbed by the bluntness of modern plays. And there is also John’s sister, Nina, to contend with, although her reservations have to do with the fact that John has given her character such a minor role. Their confrontation takes place during the ritual of the cocktail hour, and as the martinis flow so do the recriminations and revelations, both funny and poignant. In the end it is evident that what John has written is closer to the truth than his family has heretofore been willing to admit, and that beneath their WASP reserve his parents and siblings are as beset with uncertainties and frustrations as their presumed “inferiors.” But while they seem shackled by the past, and tantalized disappointments and, with unfailing warmth and humor, converting pained resignation into cautious but hopeful anticipation.

Tickets  $18 ($16 for Seniors/Students). Reservations call 908-879-7304.       VIEW SCENES FROM THE COCKTAIL HOUR BELOW

Urinetown opened  Saturday Feb 26.

Here are some pictures from the production; or you can look at them over at Flickr.

Here are some pictures from the production; or you can look at them over at Flickr.

Our production of “Shirley Valentine”, a comedy by Willy Russell (Blood Brothers and Educating Rita) opens March 6 and runs until the 21st.

We’ve reconfigured our theatre for this production, so our seating capacity is diminished.  Please make sure you reserve your tickets early!

Public performances are on March 6, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21. the shows on the 14th and the 21st are matinees.  Friday and Saturday shows start at 8 pm, Sunday matinees start at 2 pm.  Due to the nature of the piece and the layout of the theatre, latecomers may not be able to be seated.

The piece, directed by Cindy Alexander, features Gloria Lamoureux as Shirley Valentine.

Ticket are $18,  Students and seniors discounts on Friday and Sunday performances $16. The CTG’s Black River Playhouse is located at the corner of Grove and Maple Streets in the borough of Chester.  Call 908-879-7304 for reservations.

About the show:

Inside Mrs. Joe Bradshaw is the former Shirley Valentine longing to get out. Her self- confidence badly shattered by school, marriage and life, she is reduced to talking to the kitchen wall whilst preparing her husband’s evening meal – to be on the table as he opens the front door every night.  As she sips a glass of wine, she dreams of drinking in a country where the grape is grown.  Her feminist friend offers her a holiday in Greece and, with great trepidation and a lot of forward planning; Shirley seizes the opportunity.  In Greece she encounters a totally different lifestyle, breaking out of the mold cast for her by society.

Friends old and new gathered under cover of a fund-raising Gala, and it wasn’t until the show started that Peg and Lamont were told this party was in their honor.

Turntables were turned, portraits were revealed and the Hills took their place at 1:00, and enjoyed the songs and merriment from seasons past.