'Drinking Habits' offers spirited fun
(Courtesy photo)Comedy, romance and a convent full of secrets is the setting for "Drinking Habits" — the story of two nuns who have been turning the convent’s vineyard into wine instead of the dictated grape juice.
Comedy, romance and a convent full of secrets is the setting for this story of two nuns who scandalously have been turning the convent’s vineyard into wine instead of the dictated grape juice. All behind the back of the Mother Superior, played by Kate McAlister, who thinks of wine as “forbidden Devil’s juice”.
This light-hearted farce written by Tom Smith traps two former romantically involved reporters, through mistaken identity, into going undercover in hopes of breaking a major story. Add in a rumor that someone from Rome has been sent to spy on the convent and the result is an ‘I Love Lucy’ style comedic adventure.
“In farce, it’s not the lines that they say, it’s the situation and reaction that makes it funny,” explained Becky Revak the director of Drinking Habits. This is the latest production from the Panida Playhouse Players. As opening night approaches, Revak says rehearsals have been going extremely well. “This play is full of timing and deception. This cast is so well versed in being physically funny that it has been a challenge for them to keep a straight face during rehearsals!”
Revak adds, “The nuance of timing and the degree of this cast’s understanding of comedy really makes it exciting for me.”
The talented cast is comprised of Amy Sherman (as Sister Philamena), Maddie Herron (Sister Augusta), Rob Linder (George), Kate McAlister (Mother Superior), Cory Repass (Paul), Courtney Roberts (Sally), Elizabeth Iha (Sister Mary Catherine) and Robert Moore (Father Chenille).
The Panida Playhouse Players chose this as their contribution to entertainment for Sandpoint’s Weird and Wonderful Winter Carnival. Drinking Habits is good fun for the whole family. Audience members with Catholic history may get the few inside jokes, but everyone will be entertained by the wit, humor, presentation, hilarious situations, and amazing physical comedy. Wine and secrets are inevitably spilled as everyone tries to preserve the convent and reconnect with lost loves.
The play, written by Tom Smith received a Pickering Award for excellence in playwright. Set construction by Sam Cornett, Assistant Director is Megan White, Lighting by Bill Lewis, Sound by Mark Watson, Russ Rector with Props and Back Stage, and Produced by Patricia Walker. And who would be the perfect sponsors for this event? Pend Oreille Winery and MickDuff’s of course!
Performances are February 14, 15 and 16 at 7:00 p.m. and 17 at 3:30 p.m. Tickets for Drinking Habits are $15 for adults; $13 for seniors; and $10 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the door, Eve’s Leaves, or online at panida.org