From left to right: Diana Nelinson, Jim Brown, Carole Hollar, Bob Rouleau, Roxanne Banta and Wes Davis
Sun Lakes Community Theatre’s spring show will be Aspirin and Elephants by Jerry Mayer. Prior to becoming a playwright, Mayer wrote for TV including episodes for The Bob Newhart Show, The Mary Tyler Moore Show and MASH. The one-liners in this play are every bit as good as in any of his TV episodes, and the characters are both humorous and interesting.
Production dates are Tuesday, March 21 through Saturday, March 25. The Friday performance will be a matinee. This is to allow those who don’t want to drive at night an opportunity to enjoy the Cruise to Copenhagen.
Aspirin and Elephants is the story of a family taking a cruise together. The mother and her two daughters decide to treat dad to a cruise on the Royal Norway from Copenhagen to St. Petersburg and back in order to cheer him up. He’s been depressed ever since he had a heart attack several months ago. Of course, the father is paying for the whole thing and starts out with a chip on his shoulder. The relationship of each couple is taxed to the limit as the play progresses, but in the end, the food is wonderful, the drinks flow and everyone has grown.
Playing the part of the father (known as Junior) will be Bob Rouleau. His wife (known as Honey) will be portrayed by Carole Hollar. Roxie Banta will play the oldest daughter (Stephanie) and Wes Davis plays her husband (Scott). Diana Nelinson will portray the younger daughter (Liz) with Jim Brown playing her husband (Arnie). Julie Curran will be the tour guide.
Penny Petersen will direct the play with Phyllis Schurz as her producer. Other creative staff include Dave Stevens on sound, MJ Clement and Norm Harris on lights, John Crawford heading the scene building crew, and Doris Rouleau as house manager.