Theatrical troupe adds new skits to mix
By Scott Bellile
Whether you missed the Wolf River Theatrical Troupe’s 2016 staging of Carol Burnett sketches or you want to relive the laughs, the troupe is offering another opportunity to enjoy a hilarious night out.
The legendary comedian’s medley of popular skits returns to New London “because it was well received, it’s hilarious, we need a winter lift and we’re using it again as a fundraiser for the risers we want to build,” according to Margie Brown, director and WRTT president.
“Skits from the Carol Burnett Show” runs for six nights from Thursday, Feb. 8, through Saturday, Feb. 10, and Thursday, Feb. 15, through Saturday, Feb. 17. Shows begin at 7 p.m.
Theatergoers who attended two winters ago may remember the variety show format. The vocal solos and stand-up comedy in between skits are back, Brown said.
“There’s new skits and there’s new people and it’s mixed with returning skits and returning people,” Brown added. About half of the 10 skits will be new, giving a fresh experience to everyone.
The cast is comprised of Molly Stillwell, Mark Grossman, Mickey Schmidt, Jim Sexton, Dorie Attoe, Carrie Karow, Dorea Lauer, Iris Renner, Tasha Spears, Tommy Micke, Becky Price, Jeanine Supanich, Ernie Anderson, Jim Cuff, Tom Vinje, Sally Anderson and Wally Schmidt.
New to the show are Sexton, Karow, Renner, Micke, Price, Cuff and Vinje.
“It’s definitely a fun group of people over here,” Micke said, adding he is glad he joined the cast.
Returning to the play and participating in five skits is Lauer, who said she is enjoying the character of Alice Potynoy, a little girl with attitude who shakes down people for their money.
“Honestly it’s probably one of my favorite characters to play of all the ones I’ve ever played because I love being sassy,” Lauer said.
Brown said some of the popular skits will include “The Fireside Girl,” “The Old Folks,” “The Football Widow,” “As the Stomach Turns” and “Prison Nudge.”
All productions will be staged at Real Opportunities Outreach, 304 St. John’s Place, New London. Admission is $15. To reserve tickets, call Judy McDaniel at 920-982-6060.
For local funnywomen who did not get in on “Skits from the Carol Burnett Show” but want to act in a comedy in April, the WRTT will hold auditions Wednesday, Feb. 7, for “Always a Bridesmaid.” Directed by Sandy Renner, the play calls for six actresses 20 and older.
Auditions will run from 6-8 p.m. at Real Opportunities Outreach. For more information, call Renner at 920-428-0344.