CRT Presents MAKING GOD LAUGH, Now thru 8/23

For the fifth show in their 43rd annual summer season, Cortland Repertory Theatre will present the regional premiere of the comedy "Making God Laugh", written by Sean Grennan. Performances will run from today, August 13 - 23 with evening performances at 7:30. Matinees are available on August 15, 17, 19 and 20 at 2:00 PM. Tickets may be purchased by calling 800-427-6160 or at the CRT Box Office at 24 Port Watson Street in Cortland. Tickets are also available for sale 24 hours a day through the CRT website at www.cortlandrep.org.

In this hilarious and touching family comedy, Ruthie and Bill are a couple of "empty nest" parents, but as the holidays roll around their three adult children - a former football star, an aspiring actress and a devout priest - return home for the traditional family dinners. In four scenes, from the 1970's to the eve of Y2K, Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year's and Easter are celebrated. Old family rituals and dubious recipes are trotted out, and ancient tensions flare up. True to life, both generations experience unexpected twists and turns over the years, and we see how, despite what we may have in mind, we often arrive at unexpected destinations. This clever play is a heartwarming spin on Woody Allen's joke, "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans!"

Directing the show is long-time CRT director Jim Bumgardner, whose previous work at CRT includes "The 1940's Radio Hour", "A Murder is Announced", and "Brigadoon", to name a few. The cast is comprised of many familiar faces to CRT audiences. Playing the matriarch of the family, Ruthie, is Mary Poindexter Williams, who has been seen in "Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks", "The Hollow" and "A Murder is Announced". Portraying her husband Bill is Dale Young, who has been seen at CRT in "The Hollow", "Gross Indecency" and "Spider's Web". Their daughter Maddie is played by Melissa Macleod Herion, who was in "I'll Be Back Before Midnight" last summer, and previously in "Rumors" and "The Hollow". Playing Thomas the priest is Ryan Halsaver, who played Malcolm last summer in "The Full Monty". Rounding out the cast is Magarin Hobson in his CRT debut, playing Richard, the eldest son and former football star.

Laura Krouch continues her season as Stage Manager. Scenic design is handled by Sarah Martin whose previous work at CRT includes "Once on This Island" and "Almost Heaven". In his CRT debut, Jason Ressler serves as Costume Designer, and Louis Kreienkamp steps up from his job as Master Electrician to also handle the Lighting Design. Continuing their work this summer are Lisa Guild as Props Designer, Seth Asa Sengel as Sound Designer, Dan Wendel as Technical Director and Monica Meyer as Assistant Stage Manager.

CRT continues "Friday Night Talk Backs" at which a Q & A session with the actors, designers and crew takes place after every Friday evening performance. Tickets are also on sale for the final CRT show of the summer, "Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash".