ShowCase Players’ “God’s Favorite” to open this week

The ShowCase Players’ production of “God’s Favorite,” by Neil Simon, and presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. (www.concordtheatricals. com), opens this coming Friday, March 3, in the Colby High School Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Subsequent shows are March 4, 5, 10, 11, and 12.

Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday shows are presented at 2:00 p.m. Tickets cost $8.00 at the door. If you bring a non-perishable food item for the local food pantries, SCP will discount $1 off the price of admission.

The uproarious comedy, “God’s Favorite,” directed by Kevin Wyeth, follows the story of the Benjamin family. Joe Benjamin (Greg Jackan), is the wealthy patriarch of the clan. Joe began life growing up impoverished on the mean streets of New York, as he is very happy to explain.

Through hard work and his love of God, he has become a wealthy, Long Island businessman. Late one night, a man breaks into the Benjamin residence. That somewhat sinister figure is Sidney Lipton (Nathan Bier). As it turns out, Sidney is a movie buff, and a messenger for God. The message Sidney delivers is that Satan and God have a bet, and that Joe is the subject of that bet. Over the coming weeks, Joe and his family will have to endure the trials that God has set for them. Rose (Elaine Haas), Joe’s wife, has become accustomed to their wealth. David (Jordan Aschenbrenner), has come to resent their wealth and has turned to alcohol to deal with it.

Twin sisters Beth (Elizabeth Bier), and Sarah (Samantha Yocius), have an I.Q. of 160… between them! Rounding out the household are Mady (Bonnie Wyeth) and her husband, Morris (Kevin Wyeth), two live in servants. As Joe’s tests of faith continue, it becomes clear that the real trial is dealing with his nutty family and Sidney’s repeat visits.

After expenses, all profits for the ShowCase Players’ productions are used to fund the ShowCase Players’ Scholarship for the Arts. The Show-Case Players provide scholarships to area high school graduates seeking degrees in Arts related fields. For more information, you may message the ShowCase Players through their Facebook Page, The ShowCase Players, or email them at showcaseplayers1@gmail.com.