Rehearsals are in full swing for Don’t Talk to the Actors, and this cast is bringing it. I’m directing this one — and stepping on stage myself for a role I’m having way too much fun with. Here’s who you’ll be watching this September.
- Jerry Przpezniak — played by Neil Kasanofsky. A talented but inexperienced playwright from Buffalo whose new play is suddenly headed toward Broadway. Earnest, intelligent, and quickly overwhelmed by the personalities and politics of professional theatre.
- Arlene Wyniarski — played by Beth Pramschufer. Jerry’s fiancée and emotional grounding force. Practical, perceptive, and completely unimpressed by theatrical ego — she’s the sharpest, warmest voice in the room.
- Curt Logan — played by yours truly, Tom Erb. A once-famous television actor now starring in Jerry’s play. Flamboyant, self-important, manipulative, charming, and desperately afraid of becoming irrelevant. Let’s just say I didn’t have to stretch far.
- Beatrice “Bea” Pomeroy — played by Paula Soboleski. Curt’s former television co-star and frequent sparring partner. Witty, volatile, glamorous, and hilarious — she thrives on drama and hides real loneliness beneath the performance.
- Mike Policzek — played by Chris Pramschufer. The director trying to keep this production from collapsing under the weight of everyone’s egos. Calm, diplomatic, and exhausted in all the right ways.
- Lucinda Shaw — played by Kathy Sokol. The production’s no-nonsense stage manager — efficient, deadpan, and the practical backbone holding the whole chaotic show together.
Six actors, one backstage disaster waiting to happen, and a lot of laughs already coming out of rehearsal. This is shaping up to be one you don’t want to miss.
Don’t Talk to the Actors runs September 10–20 at The Langdon Theatre, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte, FL, presented by Charlotte Players. Get your tickets now.