EVENT: Last Weekend for Dover Players' Unique New Drama - Branches! Reviews and Comments Dover Players' original drama, Branches, is an intriguing combination of Our Town and The Twilight Zone. Protagonist, John Ryan, in a dreamlike state, revisits points in his life, branches, where he had faced options and finds himself trapped by a Twilight Zone-like twist. The play stars Jim Hagan, fresh off his role as Felix Ungar of The Odd Couple at True North, as John, a conflicted middle-aged man who has just had a one-night stand and who cannot bring himself to confess to his wife. Dr. Marvin Schwartz, the psychiatrist who leads John through the Branches of his past, is played by Michael Attali, a relative newcomer to the stage, who skillfully has the audience teetering between believing him to be a true friend to John or believing him to be the devil himself. Susan M. Wagner, who moved audiences with her tough and tender portrayal of a prostitute in the musical, A Fresh Start at the Sunrise Laudromat, gave life to Ellen, the wife of John, communicating her emotions as the hurt, but loving wife. Lisa Randt delivers in multiple roles; sexy teen coquette, Crystal and the alluring Carol, the downfall of John. The supporting cast does more than merely support. Mary Manos Mitchem, as Miss Coulter, skillfully shifts from cold public servant to loving and caring friend. Bob Kenderes portrays John's brother in alternate realities as a down and out drunk or as a confident successful businessman. Marilyn Ransom, tugs at the heartstrings in playing the mother of John and Michael Airhart brings comic relief as Fred and an oafish foreboding presence as the bully, Brad. Even playwright and director, Gregory J. Lavelle (Jake's Dilemma) pops on stage for a brief cameo as Grant, of all things, a theater director. Background music of the 60's, 70's and 80's weaves throughout the play, setting the tone for the scenes. What makes Branches unique is the fact that the audience determines the outcome.
From Dover Players' Guest - Colleen Crowley: LOVED the show!! Definitely a "twist" from the usual at Dover, LOL. Loved how the twist left it up to the audience!! A definite "must see"!
From Dover Players Volunteer - Mark Little: Dover Players is performing a very interesting play, written and directed, by our very own local playwright and actor (Doctor Watson from our Sherlock Holmes series), Greg Lavelle. It's a purely unique human drama. Be the first in your neighborhood to see it!
From Dover Players' Guest - Robert Thomas: "If you are in northeast Ohio, I encourage you to check out the Dover Players Community Theater group and their latest play, "Branches" - An original play written and directed by Greg Lavelle. A story with so many interesting twists and turns and lots of layers to unravel. The audience gets to decide the fate of the main character, John Ryan, and there are 4 possible endings to the story! Very Well Done! - Actions have consequences. And sometimes reality is not what it seems. Check these guys out." This is an amazing play and the cast was just incredible! Well worth coming out and spending an evening at the North Olmsted Old Town Hall.
Dover Players' original drama, Branches, is an intriguing combination of Our Town and The Twilight Zone. Protagonist, John Ryan, in a dreamlike state, revisits points in his life, branches, where he had faced options and finds himself trapped by a Twilight Zone-like twist. What makes Branches unique is the fact that the audience determines the outcome. The show is written and directed by the creative local playwright and actor, Gregory J. Lavelle. Cast Fred/Brad ........... Mike Airhart Dr. Schwartz .......... Michael Attali John ............... Jim Hagan Allen ............... Bob Kenderes/Gregory J. Lavelle Mom ............. Marilyn Ransom Alexandria/Crystal ....... Lisa Marie Randt Amy ............. Mary Manos-Mitchem Ellen ............. Susan Wagner Guard/Grant ........... Bobby Caco/Gregory J. Lavelle Production Crew Gregory J. Lavelle ............. Director Reservations .................... Todd Evangelista Publicity /Box Office /Refreshments ...............Linda Little Tech. Advisor /Program Layout ........ Mark Little Lights and Sound .............. Bob Caco Synopsis: Branches is an audience interactive drama where the audience sits as a part of a group therapy session. The audience members, by their actions, determine which one of three possible endings is presented. John, a successful middle aged self-made man, approaches his therapist and friend, Dr. Marvin Schwartz. John recently had a one night stand with a woman in his office and cannot bring himself to confess to his wife. The audience then decides whether to bail John out, or to let him face the consequences of his actions. Remaining Performance Dates: August 26-28 Performance Times: Friday and Saturday 8:00 p.m., Sunday 3:00 p.m. (There is an intermission for each performance when light refreshments will be served.) Location: North Olmsted Old Town Hall 5186 Dover Center Road North Olmsted, OH 44070 NOTE: The Old Town Hall is located just south of the intersection of Dover Center Road (runs North and South) and Lorain Avenue (runs East and West) in North Olmsted. As you travel south on Dover Center Road you will pass the Police Station on the right. The Old Town Hall is the small building between the Police Station and City Hall. You may park in the lot to the left of the Old Town Hall building. Cost: Admission is FREE, first come, first serve. Arrive early for best seats to view the performance. Or, call Acting Out! at 440-779-1284 for reservations available for $5.00 per seat.