Westfield Mother-Daughter Star in '100 Saints You Should Know'

Westfield Mother and daughter Beth and Hannah Painter star in Alliance Repertory Theatre Company’s spring dramedy, Kate Fodor's '100 Saints You Should Know,' opening on March 29.

"It has been a most amazing experience working with her as an actress," said mom Beth, an acting coach. "She is going to be wonderful. The entire cast is terrific! I promise you will not regret making time for this production."

'100 Saints' centers on a conflicted priest, Father McNally, who leaves his congregation to do some soul-searching at home while staying with his "uncomprehending" mother, Colleen.

This award-winning drama intriguingly extends to the strife between a cleaning lady, Theresa and her difficult 16-year-old daughter, Abby, as well as Colleen’s grocery delivery boy, Garrett who is grappling with his own sexuality. Each character in the play is seeking both spiritual and earthly bonds, or as Theresa says at one point in the show, "a surge of the heart, a cry of recognition and love.”

The well-versed cast includes Paul Zeller as Father McNally, and features the mother/daughter team of Beth and Hannah Painter playing Theresa and her daughter Abby.

Dreamcatcher Repertory veteran Noreen Farley plays Colleen. Rounding out the cast is Aaron Black as Garrett. '100 Saints You Should Know' will open on Friday, March 29 at Edison Valley Playhouse, 2196 Oak Tree Rd in Edison.

Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m.. There is also a matinee on Sun April 7 at 2 p.m. and a Thursday April 11 show at 8 p.m.Tickets are $20 for adults and $17 for seniors and students.For reservations call 908-755-4654.