Nate Netzley as Brian Dowd & Bonnie Emmer as Beth Finnegan.
(Cheviot, Ohio) The Drama Workshop, the award-winning community theater based at Cheviot’s Glenmore Playhouse, is preparing for the regional premiere of Jack Neary’s comedy, JERRY FINNEGAN’S SISTER. Show dates are January 18, 19, 25, and 26 at 8 pm. Matinee performances will be offered on January 20 and 27 at 2 pm. The production is being directed by Ray Persing and is co-produced by Ray Persing and Gretchen Gantner.
JERRY FINNEGAN’S SISTER recounts the long relationship between Brian Dowd and his best friend’s sister, Beth Finnegan. Ever since the Finnegan family moved in next door, Brian has wrestled with an unrequited “something” for Beth. But each and every time he’s spoken with her for more than 30 seconds, he’s ended up with his foot planted firmly in his mouth. But now, Brian’s time is about to run out. With recent news that Jerry Finnegan’s sister is getting married, the time has come for him to put up or shut up.
This two-person show features Nate Netzley, from Westwood, and Blue Ash resident Bonnie Emmer.
“It’s a show I feel a lot of people will be able to relate to,” said Netzley. “We’ve all been in that situation where we really like someone, bordering on another ‘L word,’ but we can’t muster the courage or find the words to say how we truly feel.”
“The show really speaks to overcoming personal insecurities,” adds in Persing. “We get to see relationship develop between Brian and Beth, beginning from when the characters are children and how that relationship progresses until they are in their early 20’s. Like many of us, Brian simply needs to get out of his own way. Nate and Bonnie have done a fantastic job in portraying the changes in how boys and girls relate to each other as they grow up.”
Bonnie Emmer plays the title character, “One of the things I love about JERRY FINNEGAN’S SISTER is that we get to play Beth and Brian at several different ages,” she said. “We get to play toddlers, tweens, teens and adults. The show is set in present day so the year Beth was 6, I was also 6. This allows me the unique opportunity to relive my childhood and build a character from it. Rehearsing this show has brought back some really great childhood memories.”
Nate and his family have been long-time members of The Drama Workshop, but Nate has been absent for an extended period as he attends college at Northern Kentucky University, pursing a BFA in Acting. “It’s been fun coming back to my home group after three years. It’s a completely different environment. It’s the most free I’ve felt on stage in a long time.”
Tickets may be ordered through the TDW ticket line at 598-8303, or online at www.thedramaworkshop.org. All seats are $15.00. Because of the limited run nature of this production, reservations are strongly encouraged.
For more information, contact Ms. Gretchen Gantner at 513-470-5516, or groose1876@aol.com.
THE DRAMA WORKSHOP was founded in 1954. TDW is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to advancing education and promotion of theatrical arts. Based at the newly renovated Glenmore Playhouse in Cheviot, The Drama Workshop is widely recognized as one of greater Cincinnati’s most accomplished community theater organizations, garnering dozens of awards annually from the Association of Community Theaters. TDW productions have been regularly selected to represent the Southwest Ohio region at the Ohio Community Theater Association annual conference. Prospective members, and individuals or businesses interested in helping to advance TDW’s mission are encouraged to contact the group through our website at http://www.thedramaworkshop.org or by phone at 513-598-8303.
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