SVP Opens 53rd Season with Comedy “Play On”

The Somerset Valley Players marked the beginning of their 53rd season with Play On!, a hilarious valentine to the joys and woes of community theatre.

Play On! details one theatrical troupe’s disastrous opening night. “It really is an over the top story of what could go on, however there’s some good truth about what goes on in real life theatre that the audience will see,” muses Director Michael A. Muller.

Muller adds that he’s seen his share of onstage mishaps. “I’ve worked in community theatre for decades and I’ve seen actors get sick, an actor break his nose and lighting and sound cues go wrong. Anyone involved with community theatre will find their personal stories somewhere on our stage.”

Written by Rick Abbott, Play On! centers on a show where the playwright can’t stop revising up to and including opening night. While the actors and crew of the play-within-the-play flounder on stage, Muller notes that in real life competence is the key to making the gags work. “You need the best actors, set designers, stage crew, properties, and costume designers to make the magic happen!”

Producer Kyle Hamilton emphasizes the fun of working together with cast and crew, “I’ve always loved comedies and they’re my specialty as an actor, so having the opportunity to produce one and have input on gags in the show has been wonderful.”

Play On! is staged managed by Shannen Rivers and sponsored by JML Landscaping.

Somerset Valley Players are located at 689 Amwell Road. Friday and Saturday performances start at 8 pm; Sunday matinee at 2 pm. The show closes on February 9. The playhouse is air conditioned, wheelchair accessible, and barrier free. For tickets and information, go to www.svptheatre.org.