Aurora Community Theatre

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2022

 

 

NEW DATES ANNOUNCED
MAR 18—APR 3

A Nice Family Gathering

Hilarious, Quirky Comedy

 

Aurora Community Theatre announces new dates for a Nice Family Gathering, the story of a man who loved his wife so much – he almost told her.

 

Now opening Mar 18, the award-winning play by Phil Olson continues at 8 pm Fridays and Saturdays through Apr 3, plus 2 pm Sunday Mar 27 and Apr 3 at Aurora Community Theatre 115 E. Pioneer Trail in Aurora.

 

All current tickets will be honored on the new dates. Patrons can exchange online by linking to their account through www.auroracommunitytheatre.com, by emailing info@auroracommunitytheatre.com or by calling 330-562-1818.

When the Lundeen family gathers for their first holiday meal since Dad died, the patriarch returns in spirit to tell his wife what he hadn’t told her in 41 years – that he really loved her. Trouble is, no one except his estranged son can hear or see him and, double trouble, Mom has brought a date to the festivities.

Set against the winter backdrop of the frigid Midwest, warm feelings finally thaw the gathering, bringing the family closer than ever.

Paula Kline-Messner directs the delightful, laugh-out-loud comedy by Phil Olson with Amie Gabel, producer.

Kevin Horak performs the role of Dad with Vince Stillitano as the younger son, Carl. Sue Cohen plays Mom, with David Rusnak as older son Michael, Jenny Boswell as Michael’s wife Jill, Michala Peltz as daughter Stacy, while Jerry Schaber takes on the role of the neighborly suitor, Jerry.

Ann Nyenhuis is the stage manager with Allie Stark, assistant stage manager. Bob Schaefer designed the set. Karen Cirino is the costume designer. Craig Kollai designed the lighting, Maggie Hamilton the sound. Vicki Rizzo-Prato serves as board liaison.

 

Ann Nyenhuis was also in charge of building the set, overseeing a volunteer crew that included:

Jerry Schaber, Bob Schaefer, Dave Nyenhuis, Greg Hinkle, Allie Stark, and Tracy Zbiegien

 

"'A Nice Family Gathering' is that rarest of all plays - a fun evening that is both comic and tender.” - NewJerseyNewsRoom.com

"A heart touching comedy that every family can relate to." - Lake Orion Review

“What makes the play so enjoyable is that everyone can see aspects of their family in the characters and family dynamics of the Lundeens.” – Paper Trail

“A good heart is behind all this family silliness!" - Los Angeles Times

"A surefire, laugh-a-minute hit!" - The Tolucan Times

Tickets at $18 each for adults, $13 for youth age 18 and under are available online anytime, including seat selection, at www.auroracommunitytheatre.com or by calling 330-562-1818.

PLEASE NOTE
Aurora Community Theatre requires proof of Covid-19 vaccination, or proof of a negative Covid-19 test from within 72 hours of the performance date and time for entry. In addition, masks are required inside the building, lobby and all public spaces.

A NICE FAMILY GATHERING is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company.

Aurora Community Theatre’s 62^nd season continues with Spring Awakening June 24-July 16.

PLEASE NOTE: Roald Dahl’s Matilda the MusicaL has been canceled.

Aurora Community Theatre is located at 115 E. Pioneer Trail, near the intersection of SR 43 and 306, at the gazebo, in the center of Aurora. ACT extends appreciation to The Denise G. & Norman E. Wells, Jr. Family Foundation for their generous underwriting of the Wells Main Stage.

ACT, celebrating 62 successful seasons in 2021-2022, annually presents four shows plus two children’s summer workshops, reaching an annual audience of over 7,000.