NEWPORT — The Newport Opera House Association (NOHA) has announced the cast for the hilarious comedy The Foreigner, written by Larry Shue and directed by Christopher Rex Jacobs.
Set in rural Georgia, Betty Meeks fishing lodge is a quiet place, until Charlie Baker – “the foreigner” – arrives. Being told he does not speak or understand a word of English, he learns everyone’s deep, dark secrets, with surprising and hilarious results.
The talented ensemble cast will feature faces familiar to NOHA audiences, alongside newcomers, and includes Christopher Gardner as Owen Musser; Andrew Merritt as Staff Sargent “Froggy” LeSuer; Steve Cornish as Charlie Baker; Suzanne Boyington as Betty Meeks; Brian Bevacqua as Rev. David Marshall Lee; Alison Wood as Catherine Simms; and Natasha Vuletich as Ella Simms.
The Foreigner will be directed by Christopher Rex Jacobs, who is a NOHA Board Member and has appeared on the Opera House stage in productions of Annie Get Your Gun, The Mousetrap, and Once Upon a Mattress.
While this is the first time Jacobs has directed in New Hampshire, he has extensive experience. In Chicago, he directed for Hobo Junction Productions (The Temp, The Regulars) and Corn Productions (The Adventures of Rex Danger, Bobby Corn and the House at Weedy Lake). Jacobs has also been seen locally in shows at the New London Barn Playhouse, Northern Stage, Revels North, and North Country Community Theatre. Jacobs has a degree in Theater from Eastern Michigan University.
“We are delighted to have Chris directing our fall play,” says Amy Bailey, Executive Director of NOHA. “It’s so exciting to have someone with his wide experience join us here, both artistically and on our Board.”
“I am beyond thrilled with the talented local artists we have been able to assemble for the show, they are a gifted group of storytellers,” says Jacobs. “The wonderful thing about theater and The Foreigner in particular is that it shines a light on difficult subjects and allows you to explore them in a comedic way, which then opens the door for dialogue. This kind of communication is much needed it today’s world.”
Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 2nd and 3rd and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 4th. Tickets will go on sale Oct. 1st and will be available for purchase online at www.newportoperahouse.com, or by calling the Box Office at 863-2412.
Premium reserved seating is available for $15, and general admission tickets will be $10. Seniors, children and students are eligible for a $2 discount. For more information, visit www. Newportoperahouse.com, or call 863-2412.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.