If you're looking for a magical Christmas experience, I'm going to suggest you make plans to see "Greetings" playing now at the Players Circle Theater along McGregor Blvd in Fort Myers.
It's one of those shows that has you leaving the theater doing a lot of thinking and self examination.
You may want to get your tickets soon because word of mouth is spreading, Sunday's matinee was nearly sold out and tickets are going quickly for a seat inside the family's home and here's why...
What happens when a working-class devout Catholic family from Pittsburgh gets the surprise of their life when their oldest son brings home his New York fiancée who is Jewish turned Atheist? Well let me say that surprise fails in comparison to what is about to come in this two-act performance.
It is the family's youngest son Mickey who was born with an intellectual disability played so brilliantly by actor Harvey Evans who is more than convincing in his role, and it clear he studied the character who is all but non-verbal until only his mother hears him say, greetings. Evans recently played a blind character in "Butterflies Are Free".
Actress Carrie Lund Cacioppo is perfect for the role his mother Emily. Her husband Phil, played by Douglas Rees, is a cranky "Archie Bunker" type character who seems to have trouble finding anything to be happy about. Having lived in Pittsburgh for 10 years and growing up outside of the city I thought Rees was the epitome of a blue-collar father.
On Christmas Eve their eldest son Andy, played by Shane Dinan, arrives with his girlfriend Randi, played by Natalie Brouwer. This is where all of the controversy starts once the parents realize she isn't "one of them" and immediately walls go up and doesn't appear anyone is about to budge in their beliefs.
But Tom Dudzick's comedy is much more than "boy brings fiancé home for Christmas" story. As the family bickers it's Mickey who has the final word, after shouting "Greetings" to get everyone's attention, including the audience. What seems like a miracle as the theater goes dark ending Act I.
Act II opens with some imagination needed by the audience as Mickey's character as it seems an ancient, wise and witty spirit enters Mickey's body in a mission to heal the family. Let yourself be enthralled by it.
Given the intimacy of the Players Circle Theater audience members are right there in the family's home to learn a few lessons for themselves.
It's difficult to write in a review what this play is all about and perhaps it's best for people to experience it themselves. They will be glad they did. This is a show you can't walk away from without thinking about it. The set is beautiful, and the seasoned actors are superb and perfectly cast in their roles.
Director Ted Wioneck III should be proud of this production that is certainly worthy of the title of one of the best shows I've seen this season.
"Greetings" runs through December 22nd. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 239-800-3292.
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