Lincoln Community Theater presents "The Man Who Came to Dinner"
Play opens Thursday at Lincoln College Johnston Center for Performing Arts

 

[June 19, 2018] 

LINCOLN 

The Lincoln Community Theatre summer season will open with the epic houseguest-turned-nightmare comedy The Man Who Came to Dinner by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, directed by central Illinois theatre veteran Phil Funkenbusch.

The show will run for one weekend only with shows at 7:30 p.m. June 21-23 and at 2 p.m. June 24 at the Johnston Center for the Performing Arts at Lincoln College.

The Man Who Came To Dinner has long been acknowledged as one of the funniest comedies ever written. When a freak accident on the Stanley family's doorstep lands venomous theater critic Sheridan Whiteside in a wheelchair, the house is under siege from his extended reign of terror. Hysteria runs rampant as the convalescing curmudgeon interferes, blackmails, lies, and runs roughshod over everyone. The show debuted on the Broadway stage in 1939, but is still relevant today.

“It’s still funny, it’s still hilarious, and you know what, it’s got a lot of heart, that’s what I like about it,” Funkenbusch said. “It’s got some mystery, some intrigue, a little romance, something for everybody.”

Lincoln native Brandon Davis tackles the character of Sheridan Whiteside. Also starring are Sheralyn Bolton as Maggie Cutler, Rachel Dillinger as Lorraine Sheldon, Mike Lovett as Bert Jefferson, Derek Radmacher as Mr. Stanley, Caroline Higgins as Mrs. Stanley, Karyn Blumhagen as Miss Preen, Lillian Wilkin as June, Jacqueline Keysear as Rachel, Tegan Follis as Harriet, James Carter as John, Kate Harmon as Sarah, Ann Brookens as Mrs. Dexter, Cari Wilmert as Mrs. McCutcheon, Steven Stowers as Dr. Bradley, Dave Helm as Professor Metz, Logan Keysear as Sandy, Donna Kessinger as Westcott, and Tim Searby as Banjo.

The Man Who Came To Dinner, featuring Brandon Davis as Sheridan Whiteside and Tim Searby as Banjo, his best friend who has arrived for a surprise visit

Playing numerous supporting roles are Keith Snyder, Jill Voyles, Jamie Voyles, Mike Koke, Brian Bolton, Anthony Brummett, Shay Inselman, and Lauren Stanfield.

Assisting Funkenbusch are Katie Gosda as assistant director, Chris Ramlow as technical director and set designer, Lisa Kuhlman as costume chair, Jill Voyles as props mistress, McKenzie Landers as makeup/hair chair, Emily Martinez as stage manager, and Taerynn Sablotny as sound technician.

Tickets are available at www.lincoln communitytheatre.org  or at the box office phone [phone] to reserve or prepay. Tickets are moving quickly for the four performances. Any available tickets will be sold at the door with the box office opening on hour prior to curtain time.

[Jennifer Keith]