Newnan Community Theatre Company’s 2009 Season continues on May 22 with the opening of the musical comedy “Lucky Stiff.” Lonely shoe salesman Harry Witherspoon (portrayed by NCTC newcomer Robbie Kirkland) finds out he has inherited $6 million from a distant uncle he’s never met. Of course there’s a catch – he must take his dead uncle (portrayed by John Chappell, the lucky stiff) on one last adventure to Monte Carlo.

If Harry doesn’t follow the terms of the will, the money will go to Uncle Anthony’s favorite charity, the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn. Harry is followed by Annabel Glick (Heather Hyde), a dog lover who is watching Harry’s every move. In Monte Carlo, Luigi Gaudi, a flashy Italian portrayed by Jamie French, volunteers to be Harry and Anthony’s tour guide. Annabel and Harry aren’t the only ones interested in Tony’s money. Tony’s mistress, Rita La Porta (Sarah Jordan), and her brother, Vinnie Di Ruzzio (Sam Gentry), are also following Harry and Tony.

This zany comedy was written by Lynn Ahrens with music by Stephen Flaherty. It’s being directed by Tony Peregoy. There are numerous song and dance numbers as we go along with Harry and Uncle Tony’s adventures in Monte Carlo. The show was choreographed by Rachael Shaw.

This is Tony Peregoy’s directorial debut at NCTC. His theatre career began 12 years ago as a stagehand. Since then he has been building and painting sets, auditioning for roles, teaching acting, and directing shows. Peregoy has appeared in over a dozen plays and has directed several plays for a variety of community theatres. Peregoy lives in Alabama and works in Newnan.

“Lucky Stiff” has given two families the opportunity to volunteer at the theatre together. Along with Sam Gentry as Vinnie, the cast includes Sam’s wife, Renee, as Mrs. Loomis; and their daughter, Kelsey Gentry as a bellhop. Their son, Wyatt, is helping in the light booth. Diana Kline (the nurse) and her daughter, Heather Hyde (Annabel), have been long-time NCTC actors. However, this is the first time the mother-daughter duo have appeared in the same show.

The cast is a mixture of newcomers and NCTC long-time favorites. Matthew Bailey returns to the NCTC stage as a leper. Newcomers include Susan Perkins (Miss Thorsby), Chip Saunders (waiter), Kim Ham (landlady), and Jimmy Johnson (solicitor). Additional cast members in the show are Meghan Hubbell (Dominique), Megan Martin (French maid), and Kim Marshall (nun).

The theatre is proud to announce the completion of the installation of an air conditioning and heating system on the main stage. Thanks to Jason and Hollie Schmidt of Horizon Heating & Air of Newnan (horizonheating.net), you can enjoy Lucky Stiff in air conditioned comfort.

Opening night, May 22, is Free Popcorn Night. “Lucky Stiff” is scheduled for six performances. Show dates are May 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, and 31. Show times on Friday and Saturday evenings are 8 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. The cost to attend the show is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors (55+) and students, and $10 for children (12 and under). “Lucky Stiff” is rated PG-13. Tickets may be purchased from the theatre’s website (newnantheatre.com). You can also make a reservation by calling the theatre at (770) 683-6282 or emailing NCTC at nctc@numail.org.

The Newnan Community Theatre Company is completely volunteer-run. The theatre is located in downtown Newnan at 24 1st Avenue, at the corner of Long Place and 1st Avenue.

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