Along the way, Gibby becomes wary of Beth insinuating herself into more aspects of his household. As Suzannah’s dependence on Beth grows and Gibby’s dislike of Beth deepens, Suzannah actually tells Beth she can change anything she’d like about her household in order to “make it run more efficiently,” resulting in Beth convincing Suzannah that Gibby has to go.
“All relationships have difficulties and all relationships are work,” said director/Undercroft founder Teresa Connair. “People get into ruts and get used to doing things they’ve always done. They simply become lax when it comes to making a relationship work. When someone comes in from the outside and becomes a part of your life they shine a light on where deficiencies lie. They also help you understand how to rectify situations if you want to keep a marriage going.”
“This show is a clever exploration of everyday themes we all experience,” echoed Shawn Hooks, who portrays Hank Russell, ex-husband of Suzannah’s best friend Margo, coping with a midlife crisis. “Every person has struggled with finding the balance at work between being successful and pursuing your dreams.”
The playwrights are well-known for their slew of appealing, relatable Southern-tinged comedies such as “Christmas Belles,” “Dearly Beloved,” “The Hallelujah Girls,” and “The Dixie Swim Club.” Connair believes their connective chemistry is a significant plus.
“They write about relationships very well,” she said. “They’re also a trio which is a special part of their magic. They connect together and fill in the gaps a single playwright might have missed.”
The cast includes Beth Shrake as Suzannah, Ted Eltzroth as Gibby, Melissa Sokol as Margo, Kori Jennings as Beth, and Wendi Michael as Celia. The artistic team includes stage manager Sarah Saunders and lighting and sound operator Terry Morris.
“Growing complacent in a relationship is a (vital) theme,” Hooks added. “I think everyone in a relationship has to be careful about becoming so comfortable in a relationship they neglect to let the other person know how much they are truly valued. Even though this show deals with big themes it manages to do so in a way that will keep the audience laughing and on their toes.”
WANT TO GO?
What: "'Til Beth Do Us Part"
Where: Basement of First Lutheran Church, 138 W. First St., Dayton
When: 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Next Sunday
Cost: $10 for adults; $5 for youth; Cash only at the door.
More info: Visit www.undercroftplayers.weebly.com or send an e-mail to theundercroftplayers@outlook.com
FYI: Undercroft Players returns in July with its Youth Summer Stock production of "The Mad Tea Party." The troupe's 2017-2018 season consists of "It's a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play" (Nov. 16-19, 2017), "The Selfish Giant" (April 2018) and "Little Old Ladies in Tennis Shoes" (August 2018)
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