Fairfield Area Community Theatre (FACT) proudly presents Neil Simon’s The Dinner Party, opening November 8 and closing November 17 at the Walton Club in Fairfield. Enjoy a pre-show dessert and a hilarious farce that turns marriage and divorce on its head.
Prolific playwright Neil Simon mined his own five marriages to create the thematic fodder for this uniquely amusing comedy-turned-dramedy, in which six strangers have agreed to attend a dinner party at a first-rate Parisian restaurant. Believing that a man they hold in high regard—who happens to be their divorce lawyer—is hosting the party, the guests arrive one by one in their gowns and tuxedos. But appearances are not what they seem. When their presumed host doesn’t show, the six divorcees must puzzle out the purpose of this party built on false pretenses. Why have they been brought together—and who is behind this mysterious charade? Think Agatha Christie, but with far fewer murders (none) and many more laughs.
Dishing up some hilarity, along with moments of poignant discovery and a serving of racy humor on the side, The Dinner Party makes for a crowd pleaser—and a perfect adult night out. Directed by Diana Flynn (The Thanksgiving Play, Oliver), this laugh-out-loud, semi-fickle farce features six Fairfield talents: Fred Hucke, Celeste Siemsen, Gretchen Layli Jentz, Tommy Brower, Ken Malloy, and Amber Burroughs.
“I’m excited to showcase some FACT favorites we haven’t seen in a while,” says Flynn, “as well as a few brand-new faces! That’s what community theater is all about—giving everyone who wants one a chance to shine on stage—or offstage as the case may be—while forging new connections across the community.”
The Dinner Party runs for two weekends, November 8, 9, 10 and 15, 16, 17, at the Walton Club, at 2265 Walton Lake Road in Fairfield. For Friday and Saturday evening shows, dessert (included) is served at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Make a night of it, and come out early for dinner at the Walton Club. The venue also features a cash bar, open all evening. The two Sunday shows are matinees: 2 p.m. dessert, 2:30 p.m. curtain.
“Remember, the more you drink, the better the show is!” says an anonymous FACT board member. “But be sure and bring along a designated driver, because we don’t want any funny business on the way home. Best leave that to the folks up there on the stage.”
Tickets (cash or check only) can be purchased at the door or in advance at Adela’s gift shop, open weekdays 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sat. 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. at 301 S. Main St. Find updates at Facebook.com/FairfieldAreaCommunityTheatre.