Few days left to view Townhall Players' production

The phrase "the show must go on" took on a whole new meaning and significance for the Caledon Townhall Players recently week when their male lead became ill on the opening week of Don't Dress for Dinner.

Just two days prior to opening night, leading man, Wayne Fitzpatrick "Bernard" was suddenly incapacitated with a serious abdominal illness. A frantic phone call went out to Andrew Welch who graciously agreed to step into the part. With only two rehearsals he bravely stepped onto the stage, script in hand and delivered a remarkable performance. Andrew is a man of many talents, among them his amazing improvisational skills. They have served him well in this fast paced farce. Audiences for the opening weekend were enthralled and delighted by Andrew's lightening quick responses and endless invention. The script quickly disappeared and by Saturday was merely a slip of paper, which he only occasionally referenced.

Audiences may remember Andrew's wonderful performance as the beleaguered Max in Lend Me A Tenor a role, which won him a nomination for best actor at last year's ACTCO Awards.

Andrew is supported and enlivened by a very strong and truly talented cast of individuals. The "other" male lead, George Komorowski "Robert" matches Andrew's frenetic and hilarious pace stroke for stroke, like a comic tennis match as the repartee bounces back and forth between them. George is a newcomer to our stage but a veteran actor with a multitude of performance credits and he has also directed and produced many plays. He delivers a wonderfully nuanced and well-defined performance.

Pam Cooper provides the counterpoint to both men as Jacqueline, the wife of Bernard and secret mistress of Robert. There is a wonderful on-stage chemistry between these three, which is beautifully enhanced by Pam's performance.

In the role of Suzanne, Bernard's girlfriend Jen Penz lights up the stage with her natural comedic style. Jen won a Thea last year for the role of the voluptuous temptress Diana in last season's Lend Me a Tenor and proves once again what a remarkable comedienne she is. The other Suzy (Suzette) played by Chantal Stavro is a diminutive powerhouse who can hold her own in this constantly shifting world of farce. Dave Nugent makes his stage debut as George the lumbering ox-like husband of the cook. He seemed to enjoy playing this large and imposing character and brings an air of playful menace to the finale.

Thanks to Andrew Welch and this high-energy cast who together have delivered a remarkable success and proved definitively that "the show must go on!" The essence of comic farce is its pace and this production carries the audience along at a breathless and exhilarating rate. The cast and crew are sorry that Wayne missed his stage debut and they wish him a speedy recovery and return to CTHP. They are also endlessly grateful to Andrew for stepping in.

Don't Dress for Dinner, directed by Pamela Niesiobedski-Curtis continues until Saturday, May 26. For tickets or information please call the box office at 519-927-5460 or check the Web site at www.caledontownhallplayers. com.