The 12th Annual Clearwater Dinner Theatre is just two weeks away, and the Clearwater Cast of Characters has been rehearsing for the past few months in preparation for this year’s play, Francine’s Will.
Written by Mary Datillo, the comedy follows the relatives of Francine Faraday, who dies and leaves her entire estate to her longtime companion H.P. Manly.
Loyal members of Francine’s staff are delighted, but Francine’s money-hungry relatives are furious. Though the will is iron-clad, the relatives find that they can inherit Francine’s fortune if H.P. dies of “natural” causes. As the family plots H.P.’s demise, the staff schemes to save him, resulting in counter-plots and mixed-up romances.
The cast includes Gary Phelps as Arthur Jarvis the butler; Sandy Ernst as Roxanne Howard, Francine’s secretary; Carol Maanum as Cecily Monroe, Francine’s maid; Donna Stai as Lydia Lawson, Francine’s sister; John George as Stanley Lawson, Francine’s son; Tricia Tellers as Brenda Lawson, Francine’s daughter; Dave Berg as Chester Gregson, Francine’s attorney; Randy Maanum as Brad Somers, Francine’s fiancee and Erin Phelps as Tiffany Trevor, Stanley’s girlfriend.
This year’s dinner theatre features first-year director, Liz Berg, who has been a performer with the Cast of Characters for years.
The event is also moving from the Clearwater Legion to Eagle Trace Golf Course Event Center.
The play runs for three weekends (Fri. & Sat.): April 1 & 2, April 8 & 9 and April 15 & 16.
Tickets are $26 and includes the performance and a meal.
This year’s menu has three choices: Roasted chicken parmesan with fettuccine noodles and marinara sauce; Pork prime rib laced with demi-glaze and Fuji apple compote; Fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp. Dinner includes tossed salad, vegetable, breadstick or dinner roll and dessert.
Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner served at 6:30 p.m. and the play begins at 7:30 p.m.
For reservations, call 320-493-9056.
Last year’s performances were almost completely sold out, so make reservations early.
