Locally Sourced Laughs for BOTTG's New Comedy

Was it the full house energy? The pre-show champagne? The over the top performances? The absurd stage business? Whatever it was, it worked. Judging by the laughs, the audience had a wonderful time at BOTTG's opening night performance of "Having A Wonderful Time, Wish You Were Her", a convoluted bedroom farce by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore.

Ok, so, from the synopsis...

"Paul’s best friend is Danny who is married to Jennifer who is having an affair with Paul who is dating Kathy who is Danny’s mistress and Jennifer’s sister." Truth comes to light when they all weekend at Bill and Mary’s.

Yeah.

Going for levity, absurdity and zaniness, Director Edward Nattenberg knows it's all about comic timing and actors who commit to their characters for this kind of show to work. So much has to come together: the script, the cast, the timing, the stage business, a receptive audience...

"My job is to make the company look great. How can I make this work? It's a great act of courage!" - Edward Nattenberg, Director

Not to miss! Amanda Fontoura's exuberant spirit and physical comedy in a fearlessly over-the-top performance of Kathy, the mistress. This lady commits. Gotta love it.

A BOTTG favorite, Scott Poitras is back, well cast and hilarious as Danny, the husband.

Patrick Kenney (Bill) delivers some memorable lines and moments as the irreverent, aging husband and father.

Courtney Shaffer (Jennifer) maintains poise and mines humor from the push and pull of her conflicted character's values and desires.

Melaney Bell Baker (Mary) and Che Soto-Vigil (Paul) add to the funny with several exaggerated comic moments.

The talents of less visible but ever so vital production staff feed the frenzied fun. Kudos to the team including Veronica Bearce - Sound Board Operator, Beate Bruhl - Chief Scenic Painter, Karyn De Souza - Props/Backstage, Natasha Harris - Assistant Costumer, Brian Hough - Set Designer/Construction, Pat Macleod - Assistant Director, Jeff Sloan - Stage Manager, Cindy Smith - Program Design, and Dyanne Vojvoda - Costumes/Publicity. Graphic Designer - Gordon Gray Design. Publicity photos courtesy of Joe Messina, Messina Photography.

Get some tickets, grab a friend, and go see the show!

Now through November 11, 2017
Friday & Saturday evenings 8PM. Sunday Matinees 2PM
Tickets online and at the door: $22 General Admission, $20 Seniors (62) & Students
Reservations and tickets online at beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com.
Location: Historic B.D.E.S. Hall, 140 West J Street, Benicia, CA. 707.746.1269