Meet The Cast

Any Wednesday

Director:  Pat Clark

Director’s Notes:

Sometimes you just need a break from all life’s troubles and the world’s woes… and that’s exactly the relief that “Any Wednesday” aims to provide!  When playwright Muriel Resnik wrote this comedy – her very first - in the early 1960’s, she told an interviewer: "I was just praying it wouldn't be a complete bomb."  I’d say she had nothing to worry about as her play opened to a preview audience at the Music Box Theatre on Broadway on February 14, 1964 to rave reviews!  It continued to run for 982 performances… and that’s longer than most Neil Simon plays! 

“Any Wednesday” is so reminiscent of the Beatles 1960’s era.  It’s a time when everything was being explored – technology, fashion, furniture styles, psychedelic drugs, and trendy, slightly shocking romances.  Music was light and bouncy – it made you feel good and not have to think too much!

So to entertain you and give you a much needed break from the drama of the world today, I have every confidence in this superbly talented cast of Elle, Jim, Ginny and Mark.  Kudos to the backstage crew with Liz Werlin at the helm… a most stellar Stage Manager and friend!  To Jim D. for his fabulous artistry and passion, I am as usual in awe and am grateful to call him my friend. Thank you to the Staff & Board of Francis Wilson Playhouse and especially to Dianna, our Producer, for this opportunity and the freedom to create!

Now 45 years later, it is only appropriate that our rendition of “Any Wednesday” also opens on Valentine’s Day weekend. So to our audience … I hope this light and bouncy romantic comedy elicits unstoppable smiles and inescapable laughs.  Please enjoy the show!

Pat Clark

A Special Thank you to

Robert Gordon
Rosalyn Savel
Alice Stevens of Island Community Theatre

The Cast:

Ellen............................................. Elle Coley

John................................... James Demetrius

Dorothy................................... Ginny Fraebel

Cass.......................................... Mark Myers

The Setting

A mid 1960’s garden apartment in the East Sixties, Manhattan

Act One

Scene 1: Thursday noon in July

Scene 2: That evening, 7:30

Act Two

Scene 1: Later the same evening

Scene 2: Thursday noon a week later

MEET THE DIRECTOR

Pat Clark (Director) - Any Wednesday marks the 22^nd play that Pat has directed in the Tampa Bay area!  She is excited to be back at the Playhouse after directing Dial M for Murder in 2005 and the Lary-nominated comedy Girls in 509 in 2007.  Pat received her formal director training at the Studio Conservatory Theatre in Washington, DC in the late ‘80s.  After moving to Florida, she got involved first with PAGES (Performing Arts Group of Espiritu Santo) in Safety Harbor, followed by Eight O’Clock Theatre, Francis Wilson Playhouse, and West Coast Players.  During the daytime, Pat is still a director… overseeing two departments at All Children’s Hospital where she has been employed for nearly 20 years.

Elle Coley (Ellen) - Appearing in her first performance at the Playhouse, Elle is enthusiastic to work with a wonderful experienced cast and bring her whimsical character to life.  She is a fresh face to Community Theatre and eager to pursue her passion for the performing arts.  Outside of theater, by day Elle works for the Tampa Bay Surgery Center, and by night she is a professional entertainer for the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa.  She sends a very special thanks to Brandon and her supportive family.

James Demetrius (John) - Jim is thrilled to be playing a cad again, a role he seems to excel in. He has enjoyed working with his good friend and whip-cracking director Pat Clark. Jim would like to also thank this talented and dedicated cast and crew, their hearts show through in this production. As always, I dedicate this and every show to my mother for her years of dedication to me. Love ya Ma!

Ginny Fraebel (Dorothy) - This is Ginny's first appearance on our Playhouse stage.  Although performing at many of the other theatres in the area, she is excited to finally add Francis Wilson to her resume!  Ginny is a retired French/Drama teacher from Kentucky and for the last 10 years has made Florida her home.  Theatre is her passion and acting and directing are her favorite pastimes.  She is a former board member at West Coast Players.  Favorite roles have been in Sabrina Fair, London Suite, and Cuckoo's Nest at WCP; Musical Comedy Murders at SPLT; California Suite at EOT; Charley's Aunt at Richey Suncoast; and several murder mysteries at Carrollwood. When not onstage or backstage, Ginny and her husband Trent enjoy watching sunsets. Thank you, Pat, for this chance to be back.

Mark Myers (Cass) – Mark loves returning to Francis Wilson after being part of the cast of the Lary Award winning Rumors last season.  He also won a Cathy Award for his work in Foxfire at Gulfport Players.  Mark has made Florida his home for 3 years and continues to perform throughout the area in staged readings, musical work and writing, as well as acting.  He studied in Vermont and New York and toured with NY Rep.  Some of his favorite works include Oedipus, Godspell, Pericles, a one man show, Tongues, with Lost Nation Theatre/Vermont and directing projects Rats, At Home and Impromptu. 

Liz Werlin (Stage Manager) - On her stool behind the curtain, Liz orchestrates all that goes on backstage without missing a beat! This is Liz's second show to stage manage at the Playhouse, the first was Lary-nominated Girls in 509 in 2007. Like most theatre veterans, Liz bounces among several community theatre venues. Most recently, she stage managed Sabrina Fair at West Coast Players. Many directors have tried to convince Liz to step into an onstage role, with no success. However, they soon learn to let her stay where she excels, backstage with the actors and crew making sure that everything you see out front runs as smoothly as possible. Liz sends all her love and thanks to Andy and to her sons, David and Erik, for their wonderful support! And to Pat, always a pleasure!

 Production Staff

Director.............................................................................. Pat Clark

Stage Manager.................................................................. Liz Werlin

Costume Design................................................................ Liz Werlin

Stage Props.................................................................. Mike Fornino

Producer.................................................................... Dianna Hanger

Set Design, Artistry & Construction.......................... James Demetrius

Lighting Design.......................................................... Colleen Boylan

Lighting /Sound........................................................... Dianna Hanger

Box Office................................................................ Gabrielle Snapp