Amherst Central presents Kaufman, Hart comedy
George WASHINGTON WA S H I N G T O N Slept Here'
ired of city dwelling? Feeling a need to get back to a more basic way of living?

New Yorkers Annabelle and Newton Fuller find that their dreamy country home needs a little more than a face-lift in "George Washington Slept Here."

That's how New Yorker Newton Fuller felt as he made the purchase of a quaint country home - unbeknownst to his

wife, Annabelle.

However, what was supposed to be a retreat to a simple country life while commuting back and forth to the city turns into disaster when the Fullers arrive at their new home to discover a dilapidated shack with no modern amenities.

Thus ensues hilarity...

Amherst Central High School Drama Club will present George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart's three-act comedy "George Washington Slept Here" at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 11 and 12 at the school's Theodore L. Masterson Auditorium, 4301 Main St.

Tickets are $5 presale and $6 at the door.

"It has its farce-like moments," said senior Ian Murray, who plays Newton. "But it's a little to the left of farce."

Devon Borowski, left, Samantha Sugarman and Zax Mulvenna are members of the supporting cast who will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 11 and 12. Photos by John Rusac Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

"George Washington Slept Here" is the last drama production of the Amherst Central Drama Club's busy year. The club produced "Seussical" as its spring musical, called an operetta at the school, and "It's a Wonderful Life" as its fall drama.

"This is a surprisingly good show," said play director Michael Breen, who is a youth counselor for Erie County and the drama club's advisor. "We updated it to take place in the summer of 2007. We could do that because the play is more situational than some of Kaufman and Hart's others."

Breen noted that even though this play is lesser known than some of Kaufman and Hart's others - most notably "You Can't Take it With You" and "The Man Who Came to Dinner" - he considers it to be one of the better ones and fun for his young actors to perform.

The leads of the play are all members of the drama club, according to Breen. The drama club members also are charged with responsibilities outside their acting duties, including student directing, patron sales and publicity.

"The school is very big on giving kids responsibility," Breen said. "I think it fosters a sense of responsibility, and I'm very happy with that."

While many high school students consider comedies more entertaining to perform, Breen noted that Amherst Central's dedication to the arts leads many of the students to enjoy serious acting dramas more.

"I definitely think it's more fun," said senior Jamie Meyer, who plays Annabelle, of the spring comedies. "Sometimes when you're doing a drama for three hours a day, every day, it can get a little depressing."

"I prefer the dramas," Murray said. "But the comedies go at a challenging pace, and no one has a sense of comedic timing, so it's fun to learn that."

"It really is a fun show," said junior Devon Borowski, who plays Mr. Kimber. "There's a real connection with the audience."

Murray agreed.

"It's really just lighthearted fun," he said. "The audience will be entertained for the two hours they're here."

For more information or for tickets, call the school at 362-8100.

e-mail: etaufa@beenews.com