Hartland Players Take on Bittersweet in The Gingerbread Lady

will open its production of The Gingerbread Lady this weekend with shows 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the .

There also will be shows 8 p.m. Feb. 25-26 and 2 p.m. Feb. 27.

Written in 1970 by famous playwright Neil Simon, The Gingerbread Lady touches on dark issues with comedic overtones. Directed by Bob Haschlinski, the play centers on the character Evy Meara, a cabaret singer whose career, home life, and health have been affected by alcoholism.

The script was later adapted for the screen with the title “Only When I Laugh,” which was nominated for three academy awards.

The character Evy Meara, played by Jenifer Thomas, returns home from 10 weeks in rehab only to the welcome of friends with their own problems. Evy's efforts at hosting a party crumble when she falls off the wagon towards a tragic end.

Neil Simon addresses more serious issues in this play than were permitted in the farces that had made him America's most successful playwright but opposes the dark with his typical witty repartee and bittersweet fragile characters.

Tickets are available at the door a half an hour before the show time. You can reserve tickets at the ; adults are $10, $8 for seniors and students. Checks are preferred, or you can call 810-632-5849.

Tim Arrick

Joe

Stephani Bell

Polly Meara

Steve Schulte

Lou Tanner

Jenifer Thomas

Evy Meara

Jeannine Thompson

Toby Landau

Kevin Whitehead

Jimmy Perry

Creative Team

Bob Hachlinski

Director

Connie Lee

Producer