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Standing appointments are mundane, the stuff of everyday life. An annual physical. A visit to the dentist every six months. A haircut every eight weeks. A bi-weekly manicure. A lunch date every Wednesday. A daily workout with a friend. But an assignation on the same day every year for more than 20 years? That’s the stuff of theatre at The Grove. At least it is for the next two weeks as Masque Productions presents Bernard Slade’s “Same Time, Next Year” under the direction of Walter Mitchell.
Slade’s romantic comedy tells the story of an extramarital affair conducted on the same day every year for 24 years. Over the course of their relationship, Doris and George discuss their individual marital problems as well as life-altering issues like births and deaths. They also examine the social changes occurring during the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. Each of the lovers evolves in a different direction, with Doris going from housewife to hippie to entrepreneur and George morphing from high-powered business manager to unassuming piano teacher and entertainer in a piano bar. Through the years, their intimacy deepens, taking their relationship far beyond a once-a-year fling.
“It’s a charming, endearing, romantic comedy that is extremely well-written,” says Mitchell. “I’m frankly surprised that this playwright hasn’t written more, because he’s extremely gifted.”
It seems Broadway felt the same way. “Same Time, Next Year” opened in March of 1975 starring Ellen Burstyn and Charles Grodin. The comedy ran for more than 1,400 performances, earning three Tony Award nominations and four Drama Desk Award nominations, capturing two Best Actress statues for Burstyn, as well as the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding New Play. The production closed in September of 1978, but that same year it made the journey to the big screen, starring Burstyn and her new leading man, Alan Alda. Now the romantic romp is getting the summer stock treatment at the Grove, starring NEPA actors Christa Manning and Mike Maria.
When the Masque production staff sat down to plan the season, Mitchell immediately threw his hat in the ring to direct “Same Time, Next Year.” So did several other folks.
“It was obviously on the top of the hit parade for a lot of us on the production crew,” he says.
But Mitchell held out and got his wish. Though he had never read the script before getting the director’s nod, Mitchell had been enchanted by the tale since seeing the movie. And once he started getting into rehearsals, his adoration of Slade’s story was heightened.
“As I watched these two superb actors begin to develop these characters,” he says, “my original thoughts about the show were confirmed, and even more.”
That’s saying quite a bit, considering the challenges Manning and Maria face with their characters growing and aging over nearly a quarter of a century. In addition, since “Same Time, Next Year” is a two-character, full-length show, the actors have an incredible volume of lines. But according to Mitchell, the small cast is more than up to the task.
“To say that this is a demanding experience for actors would be an understatement,” Mitchell says. “They’ve succeeded beyond any level which I would have expected as a director, which frankly makes my job so much easier.”
According to Mitchell, the whole experience is like being on a raft in the bay. Occasionally, he’ll dip his hand in the water to change direction slightly, but for the most part, he sits back and lets the actors work. “It’s been a thrill,” he says.
In addition to creating challenges for the actors, the passage of 24 years in “Same Time, Next Year” can create some technical difficulties. On the set, everything from bedspreads to wall hangings to coffee cups need to change to reflect the style of the day. And of course, Doris and George’s clothing needs to be appropriate to the fashion of the time period. Mitchell credits Marty Wentz and Gina Gibbon with tackling these scenic and sartorial obstacles, making sure every glass and skirt is just right. After all, Masque Productions has a reputation to protect with its growing following.
“Each time we do a production, we try to move it up just a little bit more, just a little bit more,” says Mitchell.
Though the gang at Masque hasn’t started to plan for next season, it has one more treat in store for audiences this year — the closing production of “Godspell” in October. But for the moment, the group is looking forward to the romance and laughter of “Same Time, Next Year,” and are hoping audiences fall in love as well.
“It’s called a romantic comedy, but there is as much meaningful, deep, heartfelt dialogue and tear-welling action in this play as in any ever written,” Mitchell says. “Your emotions will be pulled in one direction, then another.”
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“Same Time, Next Year,” Sept. 4-5, 11-12, 8 p.m., Sept. 6, 13, 3 pm., The Grove Theatre (Lake Avenue and Nuangola Road, Lake Nuangola). Tickets: $18. Info: 570.208.7679, grovetickets@verizon.net