Belleville Theatre Guild

View Program

Press Release
February 27, 2012

The Belleville Theatre Guild,  - 256 Pinnacle Street, Belleville
(613) 967-1442

Cast Members: Play It Again, Sam, Left to Right: Marvin Tucker, Mike Wilcox, Heather Barker, Scott Roodvoets

Play It Again, Sam

Belleville: The fourth production of the Belleville Theatre Guild’s 60th Anniversary Season is Play It Again, Sam by Woody Allen.

The title of the play is one of the most famous misquotes from film. It is associated with Humphrey Bogart, whose character Rick Blaine’s actual line in Casablanca was “If she can stand it, I can. Play it.”’ Earlier in the film, the character Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) said to the piano player ‘Sam (Dooley Wilson), “Play it once, Sam, for old times’ sake”. He responded “I don’t know what you mean, Miss Ilsa” and she responded, “Play it, Sam, play As Time Goes By."

Despite the misquote, this very funny play, in classic Allen style, introduces us to Allan Felix, a recently-divorced puppy dog of a man who is mildly obsessed with Humphrey Bogart. He lives in a lonely apartment and in moments of despair, confides to his idol, or the ghost of his idol.

His friends, Dick and Linda try to set him up with women, but his attempts to be suave and sexy lead to a series of comic disasters, of ill-fated fix-ups and bumbling blind dates. Our unlikely hero must come to terms with who he really is.

Originally staged on Broadway in 1969 it was a smash hit and was nominated for three Tony awards. It was adapted for film in 1972. It marked a shift in Woody Allen's style. Audiences got a taste of his gift for balancing hilarity with philosophy and depth.

Asked why he wanted to direct this play, director Phil Bowerman said that he had worked on the production when it was originally done at the Guild in October 1980 and he remembered what a great script it was, what a fun show and how much the audience loved it. When looking at the old programme, Phil’s name was mentioned three times.

The director of that show was Margaret Hayes and the producer was Verna Patterson. Playing the Woody Allen role was John Kidd and
Steve Forrester played the Bogey character. Also in the cast were Claire Swayze, Vicki McGaughey, Peter Shortall, Jennifer Robertson, Laura Dundon, Pam McKibbon, Lynn Wickett, Sue McKay, Cheryl Lyford and Shirley Rodgers.

Bowerman has also selected an excellent cast, with Marvin Tucker playing the role of Allan and Mike Wilcox in his first stage role as Bogart. Also on stage are Scott Roodvoets and Heather Barker as Dick and Linda. Rounding out the rest of the group are Sarah Kirby, Alison Temple, Amy Pero, Jackie Sutherland and Sonya Zaback. Producers are Liz Marshall and Jim Love. Stage Manager is Judy Bridle.

In our Diamond Anniversary Season, the Belleville Theatre Guild is producing five plays that have been huge hits in the past. This show opens on March 29th and runs through to April 15th, with 13 performances, including 2 Sunday matinées.

Tickets are just $18.00 and can be purchased through our box office at 613-967-1442 or on line at www.bellevilletheatreguild.ca

The Belleville Theatre Guild offers elevator service right in to the theatre, a barrier-free washroom and room in the front row for wheel chairs and other mobility devices. Play It Again, Sam is a play that endures “...as time goes by.”

Submitted by
Debra Tosh