‘Markham’ Revival To Open Town Players 75th Anniversary Season

In Move Over, Mrs Markham, a fast-paced British farce written by Ray Cooney and John Chapman, everyone but the Markhams wants to try out the couple’s fabulous new bed — with mistaken identities, titillating situations and risqué remarks adding to the hilarity and mayhem.

“British farces are always crowd pleasers, and this one doesn’t disappoint,” says the production’s director, Karina Ramsey. “We have extremely talented cast members who aren’t afraid to put themselves the ridiculous situations the script calls for. We’re looking forward to a terrific run.”

Town Players patrons will remember that Ray Cooney is the author of Caught in the Net, which was produced at The Little Theatre last spring. The current production of Move Over, Mrs Markham” is a revival performance at Town Players as a part of the theater’s 75th anniversary year. Town Players first produced this popular play in 1977 and again in 1989.

The action takes place in a flat above the office of children’s book publishers Philip Markham and Henry Lodge. Philip is planning an evening out with his wife Joanna, and reluctantly gives permission for his partner Henry to carry out an assignation with a telephone operator whom Henry hasn’t yet met face to face. Meanwhile, Henry’s wife Linda is asking Joanna if she can use the flat for her own evening of hanky panky.

Adding to the confusion is interior decorator-in-residence Alistair Spenlow, who has plans to seduce Sylvie, the Markhams’ European au pair, once the Markhams have gone out for the evening – or so he thinks.

When a popular children’s author with a penchant for dogs shows up unexpectedly because she’s looking for a new publisher, things go from just plain crazy to absolutely insane.

The production features performances by Nick Kaye of Bethel, Angela Bowman of Carmel, NY, Richard Warrren of Milford, Alena Cybart-Persenaire of Middlebury, Walker LaVerdera of Norwalk, Douglas Schlicher of Woodbury, Jennifer Ganterwerker of Ridgefield, and Pam Meister of Newtown.

Director Karina Ramsey of Millwood, N.Y., is returning once again to Town Players, having previously directed Ravenscroft and co-directed the evening of one-acts Love, Marriage and More, both in 2007. Kathy Conway of Oxford is the production’s stage manager, and Mary Poile of Ridgefield and Pam Meister of Newtown are the show’s producers.

Move Over, Mrs. Markham will run May 7–23, with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sunday matinees at 2 pm.

General admission is $20; $10 children 10 and under. Both the May 7 and May 14 performances are sold-out benefits.

Performances are at The Little Theatre, on Orchard Hill Road in Newtown. For reservations, call the box office at 203-270-9144. Additional information is also available at NewtownPlayers.org.