Freehold’s Best Kept Secret!

Having grown tired of our typical dinner and drink routine, my date and I yearned to experience something new on Friday night. I decided to surprise him with tickets to Play it Again Sam at Center Playhouse, one of Freehold’s best-kept secrets. We parked and walked to the storefront community theater, home of Center Players, tucked away on the corner of South and Mechanic Streets. At the door, we were greeted by the smiling Artistic Director, Bernice Garfield-Szita. Inside we were instantly transported back to 1969. The time period of the play went beyond the stage with peace signs, tie-dye, and Beatles’ posters throughout the lobby and music of the late 60’s filled the air. 

Written by Woody Allan and directed by Anthony Marinelli, Play it again Sam is about a man named Allan (Steven Lerner) who gets divorced by his wife Nancy (Amanda Greer) because she is bored and yearns to, "ski and laugh down mountains."  I couldn't help but laugh out loud as Allan went on a series of unsuccessful dates set up by married friend Dick (Matthew Gochman) and wife Linda (Abigail Arscott). 

As the plot unraveled, witty dialogue highlighted the central character's dilemma, which revolved around his unexpected feelings for his friend’s wife, Linda.  Imagined conversations with his idol, Humphrey Bogart (Michael Tota), only added to Allan's confusion about love, which he expressed through lines such as, "my head say's it's insane, but my heart says don't listen to your head - it's a lying head."  Lerner truly captured Woody Allan's neurotic persona and social awkwardness, while Arscott's portrayal of Linda added some sweetness to the absurdity. Filled with clever banter and a little slapstick comedy, this is a play for, but not limited to, Woody Allan fans and anyone who enjoys holding a comic mirror up to life. 

If you're looking to escape the daily grind, Center Playhouse is the perfect hideout. I plan on going back to see future productions and I highly recommend that others do the same. It is not only a terrific source of entertainment, it is also a great way to support the arts in your community.  So whether you want to see a play or perhaps even be part of one, stop by South Street in Freehold and visit your local playhouse!

Mel Gjonbalaj is a guest writer for Center Players.  She will be graduating Monmouth University this coming May with a degree in Communications.

****************************

Play It Again, Sam opened at Center Playhouse, 35 South Street in downtown Freehold, April 4th and runs for five weekends through May 4th, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $25 for Adults and $23 for Seniors & Students and includes gourmet desserts and refreshments. Group rates for parties of ten or more are available. Seating is limited so call the box office at (732) 462-9093 or visit us online at www.CenterPlayers.org to purchase your tickets.