Licklog Players in rehearsal for Romantic Comedy

Laurel Adams directs Jason in scene from the play.

A History of the Theatre describes the romantic comedy as a "happy adventure, the atmosphere of gaiety and romance, a play of wit and humor."

Which accurately describes the delightful play opening at the Peacock Theatre on March 28, aptly entitled Romantic Comedy. Written by Bernard Slade, author of Same Time, Next Year, the plot focuses on Phoebe Craddock and Jason Carmichael, playwrights who meet to collaborate just as he is getting married. Over the next ten years, their efforts produce a series of failures, followed by a string of successes, during which their witty banter leads to personal and professional conflicts but, ultimately, a satisfactory resolution.

Phoebe is played by Chelsea Smith, who has been on stage since kindergarten. She appeared in numerous dramas at Murphy High School and was the priest in Taming of the Shrew, a production of Peacock Pride. In Bugsy Malone she wore two hats- on stage she played the announcer, while assisting the stage manager behind thescenes. Tom DeDell brings charm, intelligence and wit to his first appearance as a Licklog Player in the role of Jason Carmichael. A graduate of Florida State University with a BA degree in Theatre, he has been a popular performer since he first walked on the stage of the Cobb County Playhouse as Oscar in The Odd Couple. He also delighted Floria theatre-goers as the polo boy in The Hatful of Rain, Billie in Childhood, the purser in Anything Goes, Ralph Devine in Mame, Andrew in Beyond Therapy, and Bill in Hot l Baltimore.

Phoebe, played by Chelsea Smith and Jason, played by Tom DeBell, enjoy in a light-hearted mood in Romantic Comedy

Allison, Jason's socialite bride, is played by Susan Wyman, whose last Licklog performance was Romaine in Witness for the Prosecution. She also had major roles in Run for your Wife and Don't Dress for Dinner.

Pat Werdin, who plays Blanche, a literary agent, is no stranger to the Peacock stage. "I've been associated with the theatre for a lifetime," she revealed during a recent rehearsal, "This will be my twenty-first performance with the Licklog Players."

Her favorite roles were Miss Lynch in Grease, Miss Hannigan in Annie, Mrs. Paroo in Music Man, Rosie in Opal is a Diamond and Sister Hubert in Nunsense.

Pat comes by her acting talent honestly. Her mother was a high school drama coach and her father was a very popular midshipman at the Annapolis Naval Academy, as he had no objection to playing a female role in its productions.

Rounding out the cast is Dennis Muron in the role of Leo, a reporter who is an important figure in Phoebe's life. The multi-talented performer wrote plays, directed and acted in films in college, and has had several roles as extras in motion pictures in Chicago and Miami. His first appearance with the Licklog Players was Miracle on 34th Street in the role of Fred Gailey. Hopefully, we'll be seeing more of him in the future.

Director Laurel Adams, whose performance in last week's Dear Liar as Mrs. Campbell was superb, will direct the three-act comedy. Coproducers are Edie Kleinpeter and Diana Smith, and co-stage managers Kay Thomas and Tim Frazer.

Show dates for Romantic Comedy are March 28-30 and April 4-6. Tickets will be on sale at the Peacock Playhouse box office Mon-Fri, 10AM to 4 PM beginning March 17. Adults $13, Students and Children $8. Rated PG. For further information, telephone 828-389-8632 or toll free 1-877-691-9906.

Photos by Brenda Rohmeyer.