Vicious Valentines: An Evening of Love-ly One-Acts

This February, The Suffield Players presents Vicious Valentines: An Evening of Love-ly One-Acts. The slate of plays includes “The Proposal” by Anton Chekhov, directed by Dale T. Facey; “Madam President” by Wallace Acton, directed by Kelly Seip; and “ The Bear” by Anton Chekhov, directed by Joshua Guenter.

The pieces selected for Vicious Valentines focus on love, marriage, and remarriage. Each play presents a couple in a comical crisis.

In “The Proposal,” a nervous young man arrives at a farmer’s house to propose to the man’s daughter. Despite the farmer’s efforts to keep things civil, the couple squabbles about everything from the ownership of a nearby parcel of land, to who owns the best hunting dog. This classic Russian comedy features John Fabiani of Watertown, CT, Tracey Hebert of Hampden, MA, and Logan Lopez of West Springfield, MA.

Opposites attract in “Madam President.” Novelist Philip Spangler just wants to read the paper quietly, but this becomes impossible when his wife Victoria arrives home chattering about her recent election as president of her women’s club, her interpretation of Hamlet, and questions about crossword puzzle clues. This charming piece stars Liz Leshine of Longmeadow, MA, and Mark Proulx of Feeding Hills, MA.

In “The Bear,” a widow clashes with a man who has come to collect a debt. The quarrel escalates to a duel, but before weapons can be drawn, the pair declare their love for one another and begin talking of marriage. This play of hilarious reversals features Mary Fernandez-Sierra of Russell, MA, Anna Marie Johansen of Longmeadow, MA, and Allen Nott of Broad Brook, CT.

Vicious Valentines will be performed with cabaret seating February 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, and 26 at 8 p.m. and February 20 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $17 (opening night $12). For reservations, call 800-289-6148 or visit www.suffieldplayers.org.