Waterville troupe's eighth season offers plenty of comedy

Friday, March 25, 2005

WATERVILLE -- Aqua City Actors Theatre (ACAT) has been bringing quality, affordable theater to central Maine for eight years. The new season kicks off with Neil Simon's "Plaza Suite" on April 7-9 and 14-16.

The second show, "The Nerd," by Larry Shue, is being directed by ACAT veteran Fred Liebfried. Now an architect, Willum has often told his friends about the debt he owes to Rick, a fellow ex-GI whom he has never met but who saved his life after he was wounded in Vietnam. He is delighted when Rick shows up unexpectedly at his apartment on the night of his birthday party. But his delight soon fades as it becomes apparent that Rick is a hopeless "nerd" -- a bumbling oaf with no social sense, little intelligence and less tact. Show dates are June 9-11 and June 16-18.

ACAT's September show is "Belles," by Mark Dunn, a play in two acts and 45 phone calls. The six Walker sisters hail from Memphis, but now they are scattered throughout the country. Only Peggy still lives in Memphis, where she cares for Mama. When the play begins, Peggy is phoning her sisters to tell them that Mama is in the hospital. Nothing serious -- she just ate some bad tuna. Director Chris Kuhlthau will bring this story to life. Show dates are Sept. 15-17 and Sept. 22-24.

The final show of the season is the classic "The Man Who Came to Dinner," by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman. Sheridan Whiteside, having dined at the home of the Stanleys, slips on their doorstep, breaking his hip. A tumultuous six weeks of confinement follow. Doree Austin will lead the cast through this romp. Show dates are Nov. 11-12 and Nov. 17-19.

All performances are in the Waterville Opera House's Studio Theater. For more information or to make a reservation, contact ACAT at 580-6783 or e-mail at ACATanswers@hotmail.com. Visit the Web site at www.acattheatre.org.