Mixed Emotions - 2006
Mixed Emotions
Opens September 8
Who doesn’t love a romantic comedy? Playwright Richard Baer has created a mature version of the love story with Mixed Emotions, which opens the Racine Theatre Guild’s 69th season on Friday, September 8 and runs four weekends through October 1.
Mixed Emotions shows us the possibility of love between two senior citizens. Christine, a widow and talented interior decorator, is packing up her New York apartment to move to Florida. She just observed the one-year anniversary of her husband Moe’s death.
In comes Herman, a widower of three years and long-time friend. He sells floor coverings, and he and his wife Miriam were friends for 30 years with Christine and Moe. Herman, distressed to see Christine getting ready to move, asks her to marry him. After an initial blatant refusal, the rest of the play is a decision-making process for Christine.
Will she stay in New York and marry a man who reminds her of her past? Or will she start life anew in Florida? Will the fact that Herman is a good dancer play in his favor? What will Christine do with this persistent carpet salesman?
Through the course of the play we meet the two moving men (Ralph and Chuck) who come in and out, packing and moving Christine’s belongings. The older and more experienced Ralph tries to teach Chuck to be respectful of the client and her possessions, but we find ourselves considerably amused by their conflicted discussions.
The partly exasperating and partly endearing Herman tries doggedly to romance Christine. He makes a list of reasons why she should marry him, starting with the “economic factor” and the “age factor.” He takes her out to dinner and tries to work a nightcap at her apartment into something more.
While we get to know Christine and Herman, we also get to know their now-dead spouses, Moe and Miriam, since much of their conversation is about the four of them together. Part of the humor comes from reflection on these two couples and what their friendship was like for so many years.
Richard Baer has created two characters who show that love, romance, and even passion are still alive and well for people in their senior years. The play contains some adult topics, with frank discussions about sex.
Mixed Emotions ran on Broadway in 1993, where critics called it full of: “Winsome wit and humanity. Very funny and touching.” “A light comedy about gentle people living in a gentle time.”
Adults of all ages will be entertained by this fresh and funny love story. Performances of Mixed Emotions are scheduled 15 times on four weekends, from Friday, September 8 through Sunday, October 1. Call the box office for reservations and ticket information, at 633-4218.
From the Managing/Artistic Director - Doug Instenes
Lighting Up Lives At All Stages
As we kick off our 69th regular season at the RTG with a romantic comedy, we want to introduce you to our new slogan: the Racine Theatre Guild, “Lighting up Lives at All Stages.” From our diverse volunteers and patrons to our programming, we have something for both young and old at the RTG.
It was the joy of sharing the dramatic arts with children that motivated our recent summer Children’s Theatre Festival, a day when kids could be entertained while exploring the performing arts.
From our new Comedy Tonight series to the ongoing Jean’s Jazz series and children’s theatre classes, the RTG is promoting the love of drama and performing arts right through the generations, appealing to people with many tastes. Our upcoming season is a smorgasbord of theatre styles, with comedy, musicals, and serious drama in contemporary and historic settings.
Love carries us through all the stages of life, both theatrical and personal, as we see in Mixed Emotions. The same children who are thrilled by seeing Racine Children’s Theatre presentations will hopefully become, over time, the seniors who retain season tickets for 30, 40 or even 50 or more years. Along with our patrons, we have volunteers who have worked with us for 30 and 40 years.
As you go through the different stages of your life, we hope you will always find something to enjoy at the RTG. Please join us as a volunteer or patron and let us light up your life!
Mixed Emotions
by Richard Baer
sponsored by Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home & Crematory
CAST
Christine .................. Mona Lewis
Herman ................... Ron Halvorsen
Ralph ...................... Gregory Rangel
Chuck ..................... Matthew Harris
CREW
Director/Set Design ...... Dean Yohnk
PSM/Asst. Director ..... Karen Reisenauer
Technical Director......... Kurt Oian
Stage Manager ............. Mike Kurhajec
Asst. St. Mgr. ............... Karen Hamilton
Costume Design ............ Mary Kveton & Teri Wilson
Light Design .................. Brian Schalk
Light Technician ............ Lee Dudycha
Sound Design ............... Curt Vollman
Makeup ....................... Nicki Monaghan
Props Chair ................. Heather Bumstead