The twice-yearly, edgier UnMasked offerings from Mask & Mirror Community Theatre continue with Eric Coble’s hilarious farce, “For Better,” opening on Friday, July 12 at the theater’s new venue for UnMasked productions: Tualatin United Methodist Church, 20200 SW Martinazzi Avenue, Tualatin.
The comedy, which replaces the originally scheduled “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress,” will run for three weekends with performances on Fridays, July 12, 19 and 26 at 7:30 pm; Saturday, June 13 at 7:30 pm; and Saturdays, July 20 and 27 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm. Note that no Unmasked shows will be offered on Sundays.
The intricate plot asks whether, in this plugged-in world of email, text messages, and camera phones, a bride and groom really need to be in the same country in order to go on a honeymoon. Karen and Max are getting married, that is if their jobs will allow them to be in the same city at the same time. A romantic comedy for the digital age, “For Better” is a psychologically astute character study and a hilarious new farce that pokes fun at our overdependence on the gadgets in our lives.
Director Doreen Lundberg’s cast features Kraig Williams, Kira Smolev, Jason Paris, Jeff Gardner, Orion Hardin, and Emma Heesacker.
Lundberg’s tech crew includes Dwayne Thurnau as Production Manager, Pax Bennett as Stage Manager, Alex Woodward as Set Designer, Sarah Pitz as Props Mistress, and Kira Smolev as Costume Designer.
Reflecting on her long-time avocation as an actor/director, Lundberg states, “I am thrilled to be directing at Mask & Mirror after many years as an audience member and stage managing ‘Inherit the Wind’ last season. I have a passion for directing comedy and enjoy crafting fast-paced, character-driven productions like ‘For Better.’ I could hardly wait to get started with this extraordinary group of actors!”
Mask & Mirror Community Theatre is a 501(c)3 non-profit performing company. Your support is very much appreciated. Additional information can be obtained by visiting www.maskandmirror.com.
