Friday is the opening night for the Salem Community Theatre Production of ‘Million Dollar Meatballs’.
The comedy will be performed this weekend and next, with Friday and Saturday night performances at 7 and Sunday matinees at three.
Director Curtis Black says everything has gone well with the exception of illnesses.
“We have our auditions and I think that is the most important part of directing a show is making sure you get the right cast. And if you get the right cast it’s all easy from there. You trust their instincts on stage, their timing, you trust they are going to make rehearsals and that sort of thing. And after that, I think it’s easy.”
Black has been part of theatre since high school, has been involved in multiple productions, and served as theatre manager from 2013 to 2016.
The show centers around two bumbling jewel thieves. Frankie is played by Justin Cramer and Beans by Nathan Duke.
“We were getting chased by the police and we ducked into the back door of the kitchen to get away and it all goes from there. It’s so funny and I’m really excited that this is an all-ages show so all my nieces and nephews will get to see it too and that will be a lot of fun.”
The restaurant they ran into had just had their head chef quit in a fit of rage ahead of a visit by Cecil Blueblood, the city’s most influential restaurant critic played by David Quinn.
“I think they will laugh a lot. It’s a fun show full of physical comedy with great actors on stage that really find these characters and we have a lot of fun playing. Even when I’m off stage I’m laughing at what’s being said by others on stage, it’s a lot of fun.”
Quinn returns to the Salem Community Theatre following a hiatus now that he has retired after 21 years as head of the Theatre Department at Kaskaskia College and 35 years of teaching.
Other cast members include:
Sue DuJour – Chelsea Duke
Olive Pitt – Kendra Herman
Ginger Snap – Taylor Parker
Cecil Blueblood – David Quinn
Boris Stroganoff – Bryce Stanley
Officer Smith – Shannon Hall-Nanini
Officer Wesson – Zach Torbeck
Tommy Tonedeaf – Dusk Donoho
Gordon Ramrod – Dawson Decker
Assistant Director – Jackeline Black
Producer – Meredith Fyke
Stage Manager – Kathie Garren
Sound – Nic Farley
Lights – Rich Sinclair
Tickets are ten dollars for adults and eight dollars for students. They are available at Salem City Hall or on the theater’s website: www.salemiltheater.org.
The cast of Meatballs
