Have you ever wanted to just be left alone, not bothered by anyone or by the need to make small talk when you really didn't feel like it? That's all that Charlie wants. He's the lead character in "The Foreigner," a wild comedy by Larry Shue that will be the first production by Central Lakes College (CLC) Theatre. The production runs at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 -11 in the Chalberg Theatre.
"The Foreigner" takes this simple premise and turns it into nonstop laughter.
Charlie is a shy British book editor whose wife may be dying. All he wants is to get away from his stressful life for a while and be alone with his thoughts. And so his good friend, Froggy, brings him to a backwoods Georgia resort. Froggy is a military demolitions expert whose frequent trips to the states to train troops and this has made him the familiar guest ofresort owner Betty Meeks.
Betty has never travelled outside her county, let alone the country, and lives vicariously through Froggy's many travels. To make sure he won't be bothered by unwanted conversation during his stay, Froggy tells Betty that Charlie is from an unspecified foreign country and cannot speak or understand English.
Betty is thrilled to have a real foreigner in her midst. Charlie, on the other hand, soon discovers that not understanding English means that others can, and do, say the most private and provocative things in his presence. He soon learns that Catherine, recently orphaned wealthy debutante, is pregnant by her pastor fiancé David. He learns that Ellard, Catherine's slow-of-thinking brother, may not be as dumb as everyone believes him to be. He learns that Owen, local redneck property inspector, may be positioning himself to take over the resort.
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As he's plunged deeper into the intrigues and secrets of those around him, Charlie plays the role of the foreigner in order to help Ellard, woo Catherine, and thwart the evil intentions of Owen.
The play is a gem of physical comedy, and has been a staple of regional and community theaters since its initial production in 1984.
Playing the role of Charlie is Mitchell Dallman of Jenkins. Dallman has been a mainstay of CLC theatre productions in the past few years, playing lead roles in "The Diary of Anne Frank," "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," I Hate Hamlet," "The Glass Menagerie" and "Jack the Ripper." The role of Froggy is played by Brainerd resident Matt Cooper. Cooper reprises the role that he played in two earlier productions of the play, one at the college and another at Pequot Lakes Community Theatre. Bri Keran plays Betty. She was most recently seen as Ruth in the summer production of "Blithe Spirit."
Shane Keran plays Owen Meeks, the villain of the play. He has appeared in more loveable roles in plays such as "Season's Greetings," "Jack the Ripper" and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." This marks his first portrayal of a bad guy. Nitasha Sanders of Brainerd portrays the debutante Catherine. Sanders was most recently seen in "The Rimers of Eldritch," and has been seen on stage in "Jack the Ripper" and "Dearly Departed." Nick Brutscher plays the role of David, the pastor who may not be what he seems. Brutscher has acted in numerous CLC productions, including "Harvey" and "The Weir." Ellard is portrayed by Baxter resident Marc Oliphant. Oliphant was last seen in "The Almost Totally True Story of Hansel and Gretel" in June, and has also appeared in productions of "Noises Off" and "Willy Wonka."
"The Foreigner" is directed by CLC Theatre Director Patrick Spradlin. The set is designed by Tim Leagjeld of Pequot Lakes. Costuming is by Dawn Marks, and lighting and sound is designed by Ben Kent. Darren Dosh is the production stage manager. Sarah Broton is the theatre technician/technical director.
Tickets for "The Foreigner" are available from the CLC Theatre Box Office at 855-8199, or online at clcmn.edu/arts.
