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(2006 Lary Award Winner)
Performed January 12-22, 2006
A
Comedy By Larry Shue
Directed by Murray Mintz
The
Foreigner has been loved by audiences, panned by critics and has been
successfully produced time after time since it was first performed in
1983. Critics tear it apart (and audiences love it) because it is
written to amuse, not to drive home a heavy message. There are messages
in the play, but if you simply want to sit back, laugh and enjoy the
antics as the good guy wins, well that's just what you should do.
The idea
for the play came to Shue while he was studying in Japan. He discovered
that the Japanese would tolerate even his most bizarre behavior (because
he was unaware of Japanese social customs), dismissing his inappropriate
actions as the conduct of an outsider.
The
first production at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre in 1983 was a huge
success. When the play moved off-Broadway in 1984 the show struggled to
survive until a Texas millionaire helped them out and it then went on to
win two prestigious off-Broadway awards; the 1985 New York Obie and the
Outer Circle Critics Award. The play not only overcame the negative
reviews, it played 685 performances and recouped its initial $250,000
investment. The Foreigner has become a staple of community theatre, a
guaranteed crowd pleaser which continues to entertain cheering, laughing
audiences. It is a comic classic that entertains you, gives you a lift
and a laugh, and sends you home happy. That's our goal and our wish for
Francis Wilson Playhouse audiences. May you enjoy our production, laugh
loud and long, and return to us for more enjoyment in the future.
About the Director
 MURRAY
MINTZ (Director) - (2006
Lary Award Winner) Murray is Executive Director of the Florida
Association for Theatre Education, the states organization of theatre
instructors at the elementary through university levels. A retired high
school theatre teacher Murray was recognized by the Florida Theatre
Conference as the states Secondary Theatre Educator of the year in 2002,
and was listed in Who's Who among America's Teachers for several years.
He has directed more than 90 productions in professional, community and
educational theatre, and taught acting and directing at St. Petersburg
College. Murray is a national trainer for theatre teachers in the
International Baccalaureate program. He has served as a judge for the
Florida First Lady's Arts Recognition Awards, and is a screener and
judge for the Florida State Thespians' annual conference. Among the
several productions he has directed for FWP are Witness for the
Prosecution and our previous production of Lion in Winter, a Lary Award
Winner. Murray thanks the cast for their creativity, enthusiasm and
patience.
 SEAN
BRENNAN (Charlie) - (2006
Lary Award Winner) Sean recently relocated to Florida from the
Pacific Northwest and is now a Drama teacher at Oak Grove Middle School,
Clearwater. This is his first show at FWP, but some of you will
remember his performance as "Hysterium" in SPLT's last season's
production of Forum. He has performed in tours of Godspell, Pirates of
Penzance, and I Love My Wife. In his free time he enjoys traveling,
watching monster movies and remodeling houses.
 COLLEEN COUGHENOUR (Betty) -
(2006 Lary Award Winner) This is Colleen's debut performance at
FWP. Eighteen years ago (gulp!), Colleen played the part of Catherine
in The Foreigner. She still loves and feels a special connection to
this show. When not on stage, she performs live for her second graders
at James B. Sanderlin Elementary School. Colleen is grateful to her
amazing husband and two daughters for their support and love.
 THOM
DUKE (Stage Manager) - Thom is a new Florida transplant from New
York where he has done about everything in the theatre. He has
directed, acted, done costumes, set, props and, yes, stage-managed. He
is happy to find a great group here in Florida where theatre is alive
and well.
 RAY
KENNEY (Froggie) - Ray has been involved at FWP for 20 years -
actor, director, Box Office Manager, Board Member and General Manager.
This is his third show with Murray Mintz, another enjoyable experience.
Many thanks to this multi-talented cast. Break a Leg!
 DOUG
KOLB (KKK Member) - Doug is making his stage debut. In the 1970's
Doug was the producer for The Dinner Playhouse in Hollywood, California.
Doug is now a retired computer executive who loves volunteering
backstage and remodeling houses. He currently volunteers at several
local schools providing technical assistance for their theatrical
productions.
 RHIANNON MOONEY (Catherine) - Rhiannon is happy to be appearing at
FWP for the second time. At this time last year, you saw her perform as
Margot in Dial "M" for Murder. She has since performed in Under the
Yum Yum Tree (Oakhurst), Elegy for a Lady (GCP) and Dracula (EOT).
Rhiannon is a college student, majoring in Interior Design. Special
thanks to her parents and friends for their love and support.
 TRAVIS
MOORE (Ellard) - (2006 Lary
Award Winner) Travis is excited to be back at FWP and working
with such a talented cast and crew. Travis has appeared here in The Man
Who Came To Dinner and Of Thee I Sing. Some of his other credits
include: Dracula (EOT), Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (EOT), You Can't
Take It With You (Stage West), and Footloose (EOT). "Thanks to my
family for their support. Just Believe!"
 FRED
SCHUMACHER (Owen Musser) - A veteran of many shows at FWP, Fred is
happy to be back once again. A big thanks to Murray for giving him a
chance to play such a kind, sensitive, caring character and for the
opportunity to share the stage with TM. Most of all, he thanks his love
and inspiration, the "Get 'er done" girl herself, his wife, Micki.
 ROB
SIMKIN (David) - Born in Baltimore, MD, Rob moved to Clearwater
after finishing college at University of Maryland, Frostburg. Rob has
always been interested in theatre and is looking forward to exploring
his acting career in Florida. Rob would like to thank his family and
friends, especially his Mom, Rhoda.
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