Actor Richard Kline Joins PHS Drama Club for Special Performance

On Friday, July 23, actor Richard Kline and the Peekskill High School Drama Club teamed up to bring the residents of Emerald Peek Rehabilitation and Nursing Center a very special live performance.

Kline, known for his role of "Larry Dallas" on the hit sitcom, "Three's Company" watched as Peekskill students recreated an episode of the show ("In Like Larry" - Season 5; Episode 15), for a live audience. After the show, students and residents participated a question and answer session with Kline, led by PHS student, Karina Roberts.

“I thought the kids did a great job,” Kline said. “It was very nostalgic for me to hear and see that script again. I remember bits and pieces of it...certain incredible punchlines.”

Cast members for the performance included:

Justin Hahn - Jack

Arianna Hurtado - Janet

Karina Roberts - Cindy

Brendon Henneberry - Larry

Brian Cureton - Mr. Furley

After the performance concluded, and before guests and residents enjoyed a buffet lunch together, Kline took the time to sign autographs for those in attendance.

The event was organized by Emerald Peek Director of Marketing Ivy Banach and Peekskill High School Theater Teacher/Drama Club Advisor Terry Sandler. Banach, who is always looking for fun opportunities for the residents at Emerald Peek to enjoy, grew up with Kline as a family friend, as his mother worked closely with Banach's grandmother. When Banach reached out to Kline about volunteering at the nursing center, he happily obliged.

"The reading couldn’t have gone any better, said Banach. “Residents were blown out of the water. Many of them used to watch Three’s Company with their kids, so this was a nostalgic treat for them. And Klien was so funny, he had the audience laughing out loud during the question and answer portion. I’m so thankful he was able to come and bring such joy to our building.”

Sandler said the the experience was a wonderful opportunity for his students, and a memory they will not soon forget."

The whole experience was incredible," Sandler said. "Richard Kline sat behind me laughing the entire time, saying, 'I remember saying that line! These kids are doing great!' But the best part was that I never had to use my "canned laughter" sound effect we had prepared ahead of time because the audience was laughing naturally. I'm really thankful we were able to make this all come together and bring joy and smiles to a whole room of people who appreciated it."