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HomeNewsArchivesCaribbean Community Theatre Presents 'Play It Again, Sam'

Caribbean Community Theatre Presents 'Play It Again, Sam'

May 12, 2004 – Caribbean Community Theatre's production of the Woody Allen comedy "Play It Again, Sam" opens Friday for a three-weekend run through May 30.
While the title for most people probably brings to mind the 1972 movie starring Allen and Diane Keaton, "Play It Again, Sam" did begin life as a stage play, opening on Broadway in 1969.
The plot "is about a Humphrey Bogart wannabe named Allen who has none of Bogart's technique with women," CCT managing producer Eileen Des Jardins says. "In fact, he's more like a friendly dog than a ladies' man."
Allen the playwright (not to be confused with Allen the protagonist, of course) has Bogey himself come to the rescue, "with a fantastic bevy of beauties," Des Jardins continues. "But even with Bogart urging him on, Allen's dates always end abysmally."
A New York Times reviewer loved the show, calling Woody Allen's "jokes – with their follow-ups, asides and twists – audaciously brilliant" and also crediting the author with "a great sense of character."
A New York Post critic pronounced it "a funny, likeable comedy that has a surprising amount of wistful appeal."
This is CCT's third production on the stage of its new home in Estate Orange Grove, behind the Pueblo supermarket and the new St. Croix Animal Shelter flea market, between St. Croix Insurance and Long Reef Condominiums. The inaugural presentation of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" in February was followed by the world premiere of the musical revue "Relationships" in March-April.
There will be seven performances of "Play It Again, Sam" — the next three Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. plus a matinee on May 30 at 4 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for general admission and $8 for students, with CCT members entitled to a discount. Reservations are requested; they may be made by calling 773-7171.
The cast consists of Sasha Brady, Charles Braslow, Meg Connell, John Garren, Karen McIntosh, Bonita Repp, Khunuma "Kimmi" Simmonds, Christine Thomas and Glen Wells. David Richards is the director, with Des Jardins as producer. Marty Merrick and Derek Martin are handling the lights and sound, respectively, and Simmonds also is the stage manager.
Braslow plays "Allen," Repp is "Linda," Wells portrays "Bogey," Garren is "Dick," and appearing as the bevy of beauties are Brady, Connell, McIntosh, Simmonds and Thomas.
Richards has served as director, musical director, artistic director and man-about-stage for numerous CCT productions since 1986. His stateside credits include teaching master classes at Loyola University and Juilliard and judging auditions for the Met.
Des Jardins, a native Crucian, is known locally as "de gal wid de rubbah ban on she han" in the Crucian Gold radio commercials. A member of CCT's board for 10 years, she has directed several West Indian plays for the company and has produced most of its shows for the last eight years.
Sponsors for CCT's production of "Play It Again, Sam" are American Management Solutions, Carambola Beach Resort, Capital Mortgage Services of Texas, Christiansted Apothecary Hall, Crucian Gold, Gotts & Associates Real Estate, Tish Mercier, Mongoose 104.9/Isle 95/Sunny FM 99.5, the Office Supply Store, Pan American Distributors, Tropico Management and V.I. Cargo.
The production also is supported by a grant from the V.I. Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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