"Light up the Sky," a comedy by Moss Hart, will be on stage at Coach House Theatre through Dec. 21.
The play opened Dec. 4. It is an insider's valentine to a kind of theater that disappeared decades ago. The young, idealistic playwright, seemingly at the mercy of his bombastic director and flamboyant leading lady, negotiates the whirlwind pace of opening night in Boston.
Director Terry Burgler, one of Coach House's two new artistic directors, is at the helm of "Light up the Sky." Burgler has worked as an actor, director and producer nationally and internationally, performing at the Globe Theatre in London, and winning accolades for his work as Artistic Director at Porthouse Theatre and Ohio Shakespeare Festival. He was named Outstanding Theatre Artist in 2007 by Arts Alive! for his theatrical achievements, and has won many awards as an actor and director.
The cast of "Light up the Sky" features many local performers familiar to Coach House audiences.
Dede Klein of Hudson, last seen here in "Steel Magnolias," plays the role of Irene Livingston, the "always on" star. Karen Wood of Creston, also from the cast of "Steel Magnolias," is Irene's sharp-tongued mother, Stella. Bud Graske of Akron, last seen at Coach House in "Murder on the Nile," plays Irene's Wall Street husband, Tyler.
Holly Humes of Wadsworth, known at Coach House for her roles in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "Proof," plays Miss Lowell, Irene's secretary. Henry Bishop of Creston, last seen at Coach House in "Hay Fever," plays Irene's playwright friend, Owen Turner.
Richard Worswick, of Bath, plays Carleton Fitzgerald, the high-strung director. He received last year's Best Supporting Actor Royal Coach Award for "Driving Miss Daisy," coincidentally in a tie with Timothy H. Champion of Akron, who also won a Best Supporting Actor Royal Coach Award for "Oh, Coward!" Champion is Sidney Black, the blustery producer.
Linda Graske of Akron, who appeared in Coach House's productions of "The Nerd" and "Steel Magnolias" earlier this year, is Frances, the producer's wife. Record Publishing Co.'s Scott Shriner of Akron, last seen at Coach House in "Oh, Coward!," is Peter Sloan, the playwright behind Irene's latest performance.
Barry Friedman of Hudson, last here in The Mousetrap, is a visiting Shriner from Indiana. Alex J. Nine of Akron, who last directed the theater's production of "The Nerd," plays multiple roles in "Light up the Sky."
Curtain times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.
Coach House Theatre is at 732 W. Exchange St. in Akron, next to the Akron Woman's City Club.
Prices are $16 for adults, and $12 for students (with valid ID) and children.
Coach House still offers an "Open Voucher" subscription package, where those who want to participate can receive five vouchers to use for any performance during the first two weeks of each production.
Call the box office at 330-434-7741 for details.