WEEKEND COMEDY Opens at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse Tonight

The St. Jacobs Country Playhouse continues its season of excellent summer theatre fare with Weekend Comedy. Offering comical perspectives on connubial bliss and strife, this witty production from one of TV's great sitcom writers tells the hilarious story of what happens when two very different couples book the same cabin for the same weekend - each with their own baggage. Weekend Comedy is on stage now until August 24th.

"Weekend Comedy is a light-hearted look at the ups and downs of relationships from those playful early years, to a husband and wife trying to reignite the passion," says Artistic Director Alex Mustakas. "Full of witty banter and non-stop laughs, it's the perfect getaway for a hot summer day."

Eager to rekindle the flame in their marriage, Peggy persuades her reluctant husband to escape for a vacation in the Catskill Mountains. There's only one small problem - their secluded one-bedroom cabin has been double booked by a frisky young couple who can't keep their hands off each other.

The decision to share the tiny cabin for the weekend is a formula for disaster - and side-splitting humour - as youthful exuberance collides with middle-aged stodginess.

Sam Bobrick, who is perhaps best known for such TV classics as The Andy Griffith Show, Bewitched and Get Smart has, together with Jeanne Bobrick, created a charming and quick-witted play that leaves the audience laughing so hard they are gasping for air.

Susan Johnston Collins absolutely charms as the long-suffering, fifty-something Peggy. She convincingly conveys frustration with her stick-in-the-mud husband, and a harboured longing for true romance. Whether she's acting flirtatious, delivering sharp one-liners, or pouring beer over her husband's head, Johnston Collins is delightfully entertaining.

Sheldon Davis gives an outstanding portrayal of Peggy's unromantic husband, Frank. Obstinate and lacking sensitivity, Frank is more interested in his breakfast options than his wife. He is magnetic as a typical guy past his prime - but not quite over-the-hill.

David Coomber and Emily Oriold create great comedic tension as the young couple double booked in the same cabin. Energetic 20-somethings, Tony and Jill are clueless about the life-changing events that lie ahead when they agree to share the cabin in this comedic generation clash.

Oriold creates a vivacious and adorable Jill, while Coomber's portrayal is spot-on as the overly refined Tony, who reacts with horror at the prospect of spending time with a middle-aged couple.

Director Adam Furfaro showcases his ability to foster split-second timing, impeccable deliveries and rhythmic pacing. As he has proven with past Drayton Entertainment productions, Furfaro clearly brings out the best in each of his talented performers.

Alongside Furfaro, the Creative Team is comprised of Set Designer Stephen Degenstein, Costume Designer Nicole Del Cul and Lighting Designer Kirsten Watt. This team has perfectly captured the essence of a remote 1980s cabin in the Catskills.

Weekend Comedy is proudly sponsored by Home Hardware and Waterloo Printing. Media Sponsors are 106.7 Country FM, The WaterlooChronicle, and The Wellington Advertiser. The Design Sponsor is Destination Inn & Suites. The 2013 Season Media Sponsor is CTV.

Regular performance tickets are $40.00. Tickets for groups of 20 or more are $32.00. HST is applicable to all ticket prices. Tickets for Weekend Comedy may be purchased online at www.stjacobscountryplayhouse.com, in person at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse or by calling the Box Office at (519) 747-7788 or toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).

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