An American Family opens on June 19 at SALT Box

Life for Jack Van Wert, recently divorced at the age of sixty, and for Janice Loeffler, recently jilted at the altar at the age of twenty two, could not get any worse. Or so they thought. On a fateful night, Jack, thinking he is going to meet a forty five year old woman on a blind date, and Janice, thinking she is going to meet a twenty eight year old man also on a blind date, come to Petra and Scott Thomas’ apartment for dinner only to discover that Scott got the days mixed up. Jack was supposed to be the next night and not that night. Furious over being matched together, they leave the apartment without dinner. When they cool off at the elevator, Jack offers to buy Janice a sandwich at a local restaurant he frequents. What happens next starts as one character states in the play, a new life and a new relationship.

This comedy which explores numerous modern social issues is written by David Van Gaasbeek. After his mother died in 2012, Mr. Van Gaasbeek to cope with the grief began writing a play based on a discarded improvisational skit in which a blind date is botched. What comes forward is how a family totally destroyed by divorce rebuilds itself entirely through a new relationship. The play deals with various adult themes through comedy and parents are cautioned to contact Mr. Van Gaasbeek at 330-494-1022 or 330-854-4387 to discover if the issues are appropriate for their child. For those over the age of thirteen, be prepared to laugh as Jack and Janice go through some very interesting events in their lives as they and their families come to grip with the results of a botched blind date.

The play will be presented at the SALT Box Ministries, 408 West Market Street, Canal Fulton, Ohio on June 19-21, 26-28. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 pm. Sunday performances are at 3:00 pm. Price of admission is $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for seniors and children under the age of twelve. For further information or tickets, call David Van Gaasbeek at 330-494-1022 or 330-854-4387

The cast is:

Scott Thomas Josh Rowe

Petra Thomas                                 Michal Donahue
Janice Loeffler                            Kayla Miller
Jack Van Wert                               Geoffrey Darling

Helen Whiteside                             Shawna Hamilton
Debra Van Wert                            Janet Antal
Tom Van Wert                               Zach Donahue
Gretchen Van Wert                       Shelly Rayborn
Harry Loeffler                               David Van Gaasbeek
Jeannette Loeffler                         Sharon Nolan
Lesly Morrison                              Melanie Snier
Blythe Morrison                            Laura Haines
Kate Morrison                               Geri Marken
Roger Morrison                             Sean Wirfel
Julie Fielding                                 Shawna Hamilton

Waitress/Secretary Madison Witte