2008 Plays

The Housekeeper
March 21st - April 5th
Plenty of Laughs in The Housekeeper at Willits Community Theatre
By Dennis Hall, Entertainment Writer

Don’t let the title fool you. The Housekeeper doesn’t keep house and the story is anything but domestic. With an opening planned for March 21, the play is the latest production of the Willits Community Theatre.

Lonely, sophisticated guy hires low-class cleaning woman and we think we spy a punched-up version of My Fair Lady coming. But The Housekeeper is anything but romantic; it’s an emotional comedy. Directed by Joe Dowling, the play revolves around two characters thrown together by twisted fate. He can be the worst boss imaginable and she the housekeeper from hell. The battle of the wills begins.

When failed author Manley Carstairs loses his mother, he anticipates hiring an attractive, quiet, young lady to keep his house and “tote and fetch” for him. Annie Dankworth, seeking some form of employment, shows up expecting a more docile client than Manley turns out to be. And they both have lots of secrets of their own.

Anne quickly hits a sour note with Manley and harsh words begin. He tries to fire her but she won’t leave. She tries to appeal to his natural desires by donning an evening gown, but that falls flat. Complications arise with ease. Annie tries her best to conceal her former bag-lady lifestyle and laments the life of an “aging virgin” – a situation she would like corrected. Manley is not amused. He fancies himself a sexual being but in reality it’s all in his fantasy-filled mind. Much of the humor in the play is found in the differences between the characters despite playwright James Prideaux’s black-comedy set-up of a match made in heaven – or somewhere. Are the two really romantics seeking intimacies or just a pair who need each other for companionship?

The relationship develops, not without barbs, and some unexpected twists will leave audiences laughing at the intense emotional issues of every day living. The ending will surprise in a sort of photo-finish. This play follows WCT’s wonderful success with “Moonlight and Magnolias.”

The Housekeeper features the acting talents of Justin Briggs as creaky Manley and Paula Murphy as cranky Annie. The production runs March 21-April 5. Both evening and matinee performances are offered. Purchase tickets at Leaves of Grass Books. Call 707-459-3744 to order your tickets today.

Readers Theatre
Tuesday, March 25th – The Life and Legend of King Arthur
By Hari Meyers

This is the overview and framework for the entire cycle or canon of tales. The life and legend of King Arthur follows the patterns of both the Hero and the World Savior. It flows from his miraculous birth to his drawing the Sword from the Stone. It relates his ceaseless efforts to unite Britain in a vision of peace and harmony. His goal was to bring mankind to a higher order of existence. Arthur’s story is both archetypal and compelling. With the establishment of the Round Table he intends to raise his kingdom to an ideal existence. The dream and its inevitable failure to manifest itself are poignant and timeless themes. Behind this vision is the guidance of the holy man of the time, Merlin.

The Grass is Greener A charming comedy about life in the upper class world of Lord and Lady Rhyall. They own an estate they can’t afford and must open their home to tours for visitors. What happens when a rich Texas oilman wanders into one of their private rooms Cast includes Christopher Martin, Ryan Lynn Dunkelberg, Kathy de Bane, Tim Cooper & Ian Stigliani. May 9 to 24

Love, Sex & the IRS A wild farce about a guy who just wanted to save a little on his taxes when he took his male room mate, Leslie, off as his spouse. Now his mom, girlfriend, apt. manager and an assortment of others all want to drop by on the day the tax investigator is making a visit! The cast includes Bob Brumback, Emmelia King, Christine Alfano, Ian Stigliani, Charlie Lacey & many more! Sept. 5 to 20

Romantic Comedy The title says it all! What do you do when you fall in love at first sight, on your wedding day, only it’s not with your bride to be but rather your new writing partner? This superb script by Bernard Slade will touch your heart as well as your funny bone! Featuring Christopher Martin, Patricia Willis and Marilyn McNair among others. Oct. 31 to Nov. 15

Willits Community Theatre is located at:
37 W. Van Lane
Willits, CA 95490
Click Here for a Map

WCT patrons can purchase tickets by credit card, check or cash at:

Leaves of Grass Books
15 S. Main St., downtown Willits
(707) 459-3744.

Or Purchase Tickets Online Here

$500 Theater Arts Scholarship
Available from WCT.

The Willits Community Theatre annually honors the late Brooks Darrow, a distinguished leader of the theater for many years, with a college scholarship in his name.