Colonial Players is excited to present the comedy, The Man Who Came to Dinner. While some of the jokes are based on pop culture references of the time, the theme is timeless: it’s not who you know, but who you love that matters.
Set in the 1930s, The Man Who Came to Dinner focuses on Sheridan Whiteside, a self-absorbed and manipulative radio personality. During the show, we are introduced to Whiteside’s famous friends, a “small but vicious circle,” who share superficial updates, never visit for long, and display few traits resembling true friendship. While they will be amused by the quick dialogue, audience members will also witness Whiteside’s transformation from an elitist to a man finally finding his heart and the true meaning of friendship with Maggie.
The Man Who Came to Dinner is the creative work of writing team George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. Known as one of the most successful American theatre writing teams during the 1930s, they dominated Broadway, producing eight hilarious comedies. Comedy is, by far, my favorite genre, and this show highlights 25 actors who learned about comedic timing, physical comedy and the importance of pace, diction and delivery.
The dedication and time invested by all students is apparent in the final product of this show. In addition to our actors, student crew members, led by our esteemed stage manager Ana Cwietniewicz, have helped create the show you will see tonight. As a collective team, the cast and crew brings this witty story to life.
Unlike Whiteside, I have some amazing friends that I also get to partner with to create sensational productions like this one. The theatre has always been my second home, and you are definitely my second family; thank you for your creativity, friendship and dedication. My deepest gratitude to: Melissa Downer (PW Class of 1994) and Jeramie Iannelli (PW Class of 2003) for your efforts to bring the characters to life; Maria O’Connor for vocal coaching; Eric Scheidly, Josh Samors, and Barb Sharavsky and her team for their efforts to create the look and tone for The Man Who Came to Dinner through sets, lights, sound and costumes; and Jen Crea for keeping us all organized and running smoothly. I feel honored to work with such a great team.
Thank you to our Colonial Players parents for their enduring support of their sons’ and daughters’ love for being on the stage. Additionally, a special thank you goes out to the Colonial School District Administration for its support and to the custodial staff for the endless help throughout the run of our production.
To my parents and husband, thank you for your love and support as I explore my passion for theatre. And to Jay for joining in the fun by creating the show art.
Please join us again for this show, or bend and snap into our theatre this spring for Legally Blonde. Your continued support allows us to create wonderful shows and memories on PW’s stage, thereby keeping the arts alive.
Fondly,
Valerie Cucinotta Collado (PW Class of 1997)
