By: Joseph Szalinski
Intoxicants and live events have been intertwined since the days of Dionysus, so what better way to pay homage to such a tradition than to put on a show about wine? Add a dash of the supernatural, and you’ve got the makings of a tailgate in Gettysburg, or, more appropriately, The Haunted Theatre Company’s inaugural production of Wine and Spirits, written and directed by Michael McGovern, now running at Margaret Partee Performing Arts Center in Bellevue, PA.
An original show by Pittsburgh scribe, Michael McGovern, Wine and Spirits follows siblings Guy and Judy Chambers on their visit to the Chambers Mansion at the Chambers Winery, upon hearing the news of their uncle’s passing. While there, they encounter an assortment of relatives and some ghoulish guests. Chock-full of horror and humor, it’s a refreshing breath of originality in the scene’s community theatre circuit.
The script comes to life thanks to the efforts of the show’s cast. Eddie Kunz amusingly leads the charge as Guy Chambers, a playwright who just so happens to be the butt of many jokes. Writers are the worst. Completing him comedically is his satisfyingly sardonic sister, Judy Chambers, played by Trinity Griffin. The two have a fun dynamic that propels parts of the plot. Jordan Coury is a delight as Henry Chambers, the pretentious relative who makes a living reviewing wine. That might be my next step. His physicality and penchant for peculiar pronunciation are highlights of his scenes. Nicole Brady is a lot of fun as Piper Banks, an aspiring actress and a cousin to many of the others, although the latter doesn’t prevent Guy from becoming enamored with her. Mary Ann Chambers, the last member of the family, is given an electrified performance by Gina Preciado. Jon Poli joins her as Bramwell Tripp, a rather amorous hanger-on. Equally silly and sleazy, Poli is a great addition to the fold. Rounding out the cast are Tom Sarp and Mary Randolph as Rogers and Dolores, respectively. The servants of the estate, the duo provide a fair share of laughs, especially with their comic disfigurements.
Of course, the technical elements of the show do some heavy lifting as well. Playing into a story included in the program, ghosts from the company’s past make their presence known by toying around with the lights and sound. Pamela Cashdollar is the one responsible for wrangling them, in addition to her duties as the show’s photographer. Otherwise, the behind-the-scenes contributions are helmed by an army of hardworking, flesh-and-blood individuals. Set designer Robert Hockenberry masterminded the detailed set. Audio is made possible by Dan Sterzinger who runs sound and Britt Pierce, who designed it. Similarly, Barbara Sawatis runs the lighting designed by Wendy L. Rea. Samantha Sanford executes special effects and makeup, while Shawn Karabinos handled the show’s graphic design work. None of this would even be possible without the expert guidance of the stage manager, Gretchen Beck.
Margaret Partee Performing Arts Center is a quaint venue in the heart of Bellevue, PA. Although on the smaller side, it hosts an impressive array of events and performances, most of which are plays by the Pittsburgh Savoyards. Along with The Rage of the Stage Players, The Haunted Theatre Company has established a residence in the space, wonderful news for the creative scene in the North Boros.
Despite the spooky history detailed in the programs, The Haunted Theatre Company is a new artistic outfit proposing to produce five seasons of entertaining shows. Headed by writer and director Michael McGovern, the group is set to realize that goal with a second production slated for the fall.
-JS
Wine and Spirits continues its run May 14th-16th at 8 pm and May 17th at 2 pm. at Margaret Partee Performing Arts Center in Bellevue, PA. For tickets and more information, click here.
