![Center Players To Present Neil Simon's "The Dinner Party"](https://www.newjerseystage.com/events2017/TheDinnerParty.jpg "Center Players To Present Neil Simon's "The Dinner Party"")
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Center Players will host Neil Simon’s “The Dinner Party” at Center Playhouse, 35 South St, in downtown Freehold, NJ. Directed by Dave McGrath, the one-act play will run from February 10 through March 5th. The Dinner Party marks Simon’s 31st play, and revolves around a hilariously chaotic French dinner party.
The comedy examines marriage and divorce, set at an upscale Parisian restaurant, where a party is being thrown by a well-known divorce lawyer. Two strangers meet, and are joined by a third, confused guest. Ex wives soon enter the mix. There is an air of mystery, because the guests do not know why they have been brought together.
Appearing in the six person cast are: Kevin McKee (Claude) from Red Bank; Vince Fay (Albert) from Matawan; David Clarke (Andre) from South River; Antje Weymann (Mariette) from Middletown; Ruth Rocky (Yvonne) from Carteret and Kathy Kutalek (Gabrielle) from Hightstown.
“While The Dinner Party is often laugh-out-loud funny, it has also been described as Simon’s emotionally richest play,” noted McGrath. “In an entertaining yet compassionate manner, it successfully addresses damaged relationships and whether or not they can be reconciled.”
Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:00pm. However, there will be no performance on Fri. Feb. 24; instead, there will be a 2pm matinee on Sat. Feb. 25th, along with an 8pm show. Tickets are priced at $23-$25 (plus $2 service fee per ticket) and are available online at www.centerplayers.org or by calling 732-462-9093.
Following “The Dinner Party,” Center Players’ season continues with Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Nile,” with performances April 21-May 21. The murder mystery will be co-directed by Center Players Artistic Director Bernice Garfield-Szita and Zach Berman. Next will be Leslie Hochman’s original Americana musical “Doodle,” running at the Playhouse June 16-25. Concluding the season will be Tom Griffin’s “The Boys Next Door” which will be directed by Dave McGrath with performances Aug. 4-20th.
Celebrating its 16th season at Center Playhouse, Center Players is a respected, award-winning organization, presenting high quality, engaging productions featuring local talent in historic downtown Freehold. In addition to their signature plays, the group also sponsors free play reading events and offers dinner and theater packages with several local restaurants.
