MANSFIELD – God won’t be the only one laughing at the Mansfield Playhouse this weekend.
Making its Playhouse debut on Friday is “Making God Laugh,” a play following a typical American family over the course of 30 years’ worth of holidays. Directed by Lindsey Saltz, the show also follows the typical emotional roller-coaster that comes with family holidays.
“The humor is in the way that their relationships grow and change, and how ridiculous some traditions and habits families form can be,” Saltz said. “And there are some really touching moments in the show as they grow to cope with their aging parents, and children’s lives change in a way nobody really expected.”
Starting in 1980, Ruthie and Bill’s grown children – a priest, an aspiring actress, and a former football star – all return home, where the audience learns of their plans and dreams as they embark on their adult lives. The empty-nester parents contend with their own changes, too, as old family rituals are trotted out and ancient tensions flare up.
As time passes, the family discovers that, despite what we may have in mind, we often arrive at unexpected destinations.
For Saltz, this is her first time directing at the Mansfield Playhouse after many years of experience on stage. She also has experience acting and directing at The Ohio State University – Mansfield campus.
“It’s fun to get into the other areas of the show, and directing is cool because it’s a lot of brain work surrounding the creativity of it,” Saltz said. “It’s definitely a lot more work, but I really enjoy the process of it.”
Saltz said she was drawn to direct “Making God Laugh” because the script was very relatable. The sentiment extends to the cast, as well.
“I feel like anyone can relate when they’re going to their family’s for the holidays,” said Tony Baer, who plays Richard, the former football star. “There’s always one person who’s embarrassing and drunk, there’s the overbearing mother or aunt, the warm loving father – I feel like everyone is a character in a family.”
Joining Baer on stage is Suzanne Allen, Carl Hunnell, Matthew Crum and Haley Noel Bedocs, a mix of Playhouse newcomers and veterans. Throughout five weeks of rehearsals, the cast created its own dynamic as well.
“We do interact as a family,” said Crum, who plays Thomas the priest. “We see each other every day, we’re constantly working with each other and getting to know each other.”
“This is an ensemble cast,” added Saltz. “There are no lead roles in this show, and everybody’s character is exactly where it needs to be. They’ve been building on a really solid foundation, and the chemistry they have on stage is phenomenal.”
“Making God Laugh” premieres at the Mansfield Playhouse on Friday, April 26 at 8 p.m. Additional show dates include April 27, May 3 and 4 at 8 p.m. and May 5 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.MansfieldPlayhouse.com.
“If you have parents, if you have children, if you have siblings, you will absolutely relate to this show,” Saltz said.
“Come for a laugh, a cry, for everything,” added Crum. “It’s a break from the world for two hours.”
