Neil Simon’s The Gingerbread Lady comes to Chanticleers in Castro Valley

by Floyd Wayne

The Gingerbread Lady, written by Neil Simon, opens on Friday night, October 23, with Chanticleers Theatre Opening Night Gala. Director, John Sellen cast the show after auditions at the theatre in August, attracting actors from all over the Bay Area. The cast includes outstanding actors: Rhonda Taylor (Pleasanton) as Evy, Shannon Wicker (Moraga) as Toby; Reuben Alvear (San Francisco) as Lou; John Burke (San Francisco) as Jimmy, Laura Morgan (Oakland) as Polly, and Susan Madonick (Moss Beach) is Assistant Director.

This heartwarming show with comedic touches by Neil Simon opened December 13, 1970 on Broadway at the Plymouth Theatre where it ran for 193 performances. The show centers around singing star, Evy Meara. When you see this show you will be drawn into the web of emotions that surround Evy, whose career, marriage, and health all have been destroyed by alcohol. Do her friends and family help or hinder her road to recovery?

Make your reservations now, as large groups have already purchased blocks of tickets! The Gingerbread Lady runs Friday and Saturday nights from October 23 through November 14, 2009, at 8:00 p.m. with two Sunday matinees, November 1 and November 8 at 2:00 p.m. Doors open ½ hour prior to performances. For reservations call 510-SEE-LIVE (510-733-5483). Ticket prices are $16 General, $13 Seniors and Students (and bargain night pricing of $11 for all seats on Saturday, October 24). Performances are at the Chanticleers Theatre, 3683 Quail Avenue, Castro Valley. See you at the theatre!

Pictured above (left to right): Laura Morgan; John V. Burke; Rhonda Taylor; John Sellen; Shannon Wicker; Reuben Alvear; and Susan Madonick

Picture Credit: Floyd Wayne

CALL 510-SEE LIVE or make reservations online now.

The Show Must Go On – But What About My Wedding?
Or
Gingerbread Lady Friend Takes Eight Days Off to be Married on Columbus Day in Hawaii

The Gingerbread Lady, written by Neil Simon and directed by John Sellen, will open this Friday night, October 23 at 8:00 p.m. at The Chanticleers’ Opening Night Gala.

The cast took a short vacation break last week so actress, Shannon Wicker of Moraga (Toby, in The Gingerbread Lady) could fly to Kauai and be married to her long-time sweetheart, Stephen Hunt, also of Moraga. The ceremony was in Princeville on Columbus Day, Monday, October 12 - the honeymoon lasted through October 17 - then back to Castro Valley and playing Toby on Sunday, October 18. Now that’s dedication to the theatre!

Shannon and Stephen make a beautiful couple and have known each other since junior high and attended El Cerrito High School together.. Friends, director and assistant director of The Gingerbread Lady, John Sellen and Susan Madonick, also flew to Hawaii to attend the wedding.

Shannon Wicker Hunt is a wonderful actress having appeared in countless shows, including her favorites: Neil Simon’s “Fools” (done in high school) and the musical “Ruthless” directed by local director John Maio. Her hobby is, of course, acting, and she is thrilled to be performing in her first show with The Chanticleers. Shannon is a representative for the Boston based, Lojack Corp., covering Santa Clara and Contra Costa Counties.

See Shannon and the fine cast of The Gingerbread Lady opening this Friday, October 23. The show continues Friday and Saturday nights from October 23 – November 14, 2009, at 8:00 p.m., and two Sunday matinees, November 1 and November 8 at 2:00 p.m. Doors open ½ hour prior to performances. For reservations call 510-SEE-LIVE (510-733-5483). Ticket prices are $16 General, $13 Seniors and Students (and bargain night pricing of $11 for all seats on Saturday, October 24). Performances are at the Chanticleers Theatre, located in the H.A.R.D. Castro Valley Community Center, 3683 Quail Avenue, Castro Valley. Make your reservations now, as large groups have already purchased blocks of tickets! For more information, please visit the website www.chanticleers.org. See you at the theatre!