MANSFIELD — Nothing says happy birthday like a doctor’s finger in your colon.
But that’s the least of George Thomas’ problems.
The husband and father is grappling with his wife’s hypochondria, his aging and sick beloved dog, his children’s questionable choices, an eccentric elderly neighbor and (perhaps worst of all) his own impending 50th birthday.
“The Big Five-Oh” brings George’s tale of family and growing older to the Mansfield Playhouse this week.
The show was written by Brian Mitchell, who also penned Squirrel Lake, a show performed on the Playhouse stage last year.
Director Doug Wertz, artistic director at the Mansfield Playhouse, said “The Big Five-Oh” offers audiences a litany of hilarious one-liners and a relatable story.
Matthew Strong, who plays George’s son, Eric, agreed.
“This show is just really funny,” he said. “I’ve heard all these lines 60 times at this point, and I still have a hard time not laughing on stage.”
Playhouse veteran Carl Hunnell plays the lead role of George Thomas.
“I think many people can relate to the complicated relationship between George Thomas and his kids, especially with his son, Eric,” Hunnell said.
“Coming from different generations, the two men clearly have disagreements on things. Those differences are often represented by some digging and less-than-veiled sarcasm,” he said.
Lynne Rouzer plays George’s wife Marie, a loving but slightly neurotic woman whose hypochondria occasionally grates on her family’s nerves.
They’re joined by Strong and Zoey Tracy, a real life couple playing brother and sister onstage.
Strong is a newcomer to the Playhouse Stage. His character’s career as a musician fails to impress his father.
“I saw (Tracy) at the last show and it looked like a lot of fun. I decided I wanted to give it a try,” he said. “I really enjoy the group that we’re working with. I’m happy to be here.”
“The Big Five-Oh” is Tracy’s third Playhouse production and her first on the main stage.
She plays Julie, who tests her father’s patience when she shows up with a new fiancé closer to her George’s age than her own.
“I just really love being up there. I’m a mom of two and it’s chaos all the time, and this is something that I get to do for myself,” Tracy said.
Michael McQuillen, Amanda Lyons and Suzanne Allen round out the cast.
Hunnell said the show offers audiences a balance of humor and heart. In the end, George realizes something important.
“I think there is much love in this family and I hope that shines through in this show,” Hunnell said. “Life is simply too short to be mad at one another for too long.”
“The Big Five-Oh” debuts Friday at the Mansfield Playhouse. Performances will take place April 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. and April 26 at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15, with discounts available for children and seniors. Tickets can be purchased online or through the box office Wednesday thru Friday from 1 to 6 p.m. and one hour prior to each performance by calling 419-522-2883.
(Below are photos from a dress rehearsal Tuesday evening at the Mansfield Playhouse.)
