(ROCKWALL-May 9, 2013) God’s Favorite is opening at Rockwall Community Playhouse on Friday, May 10. Written by Neil Simon, the script is loosely based on the Book of Job from the Bible. It was originally produced on Broadway in 1974. Neil Simon wrote many plays, including Barefoot in the Park and The Odd Couple. He won three Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
The comedy tells the story of successful Long Island businessman Joe Benjamin who is a modern-day “Job” with a high maintenance wife, ungrateful children, and wise-cracking household help. Just when it seems things couldn’t get any worse, he is visited by “a Messenger from God” with a mission to test Joe’s faith and report back to “the Boss”. The jokes and tests of faith fly fast and furious as Neil Simon spins a contemporary morality tale.
The talented cast, led by director Aimee Thibodeaux, includes Steve Golin as Joe, who most recently starred as Fagan in this season’s presentation of Oliver! at Rockwall Community Playhouse. Previously at RCP, Steve directed Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas, played Franklin Hart in 9 to 5, and was Daddy Warbucks in Annie. Art imitates life, as Steve’s son, Camryn plays the role of David, son of Joe.
This is Camryn’s fifth show with RCP and his fourth consecutive show. He was last seen playing The Artful Dodger in Oliver! alongside his father. “I’m happy to be in another show at Rockwall Community Playhouse. I’ll be auditioning for RCP’s summer teen musical Zombie Prom once this show is over,” he states.
Heather Smothers, who plays the part of Rose, was Ruth in the RCP production of Blythe Spirit. “I am having a blast playing a New York diva and working with such a funny and talented cast!” she exclaims.
Gayle Brewer, who plays Mady, is excited to be working with Aimee Thibodeaux once again. Aimee served as director of the RCP production of The Importance of Being Earnest when Gayle played the role of Lady Bracknell. Gayle has also been seen at RCP as Mrs. Higgins in My Fair Lady and as Abby Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace. “I am very grateful for the opportunity to work under Aimee’s direction again and with such a talented group of actors who make this a really joyful and fun experience!” Gayle says.
Magdiel Carmona (Ben) is a second year student at Collin College where he is pursuing a degree in acting. He has been seen in the college’s productions of Cabaret as Kit Kat Boy, Refuge as Nat, Rust (ensemble), Ragtime as Houdini, Our American Cousin as Buddicombe and Atlas of Mud as Marcus. “I am excited and proud to be working with such a talented and welcoming cast and happy to have the opportunity to present such a wonderful show!” Magdiel states.
God’s Favorite marks August Gabriel’s seventh show with Rockwall Community Playhouse. He was previously seen in the companies of Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change! as Burt Healy in Annie and as Sparky in Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings. Other roles include Lucien in The Boys Next Door, also directed by Aimee Thibodeaux, and Hoke in Driving Miss Daisy. August will be playing the role of Sidney.
Monte Monkress, as Morris, has appeared in many productions at RCP including: Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, Rumors, Piece Of My Heart, Diaries Of Adam and Eve, Poe Poe Poe, My Fair Lady, I Love you, You’re Perfect, Now Change, and Murder Room. He is a Dallas native and has lived in Rockwall for 14 years with his wife Denise.
Carine Rice, in the role of Sarah, is coming back to her hometown in this performance of God’s Favorite. Her last performance here at RCP was back in 2009 in The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Tickets can be purchased for $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors and students and are on sale at rockwallcommunityplayhouse.org. Performances will be held May 10-12, 17-19, and 24-26. Evening shows begin at 8 pm, and Sunday matinees start at 2 pm.
Submitted by Mary Thacker.
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