This week, Great Bend Community Theatre presents a date-night play that will appeal to the bean counters and to the free spirits. One of each will meet for the first time on a San Francisco BART train. Both will have the New York Times crossword puzzle. Before the end of the trip, the romantic comedy “2 Across” could have the audience wondering if two opposites are actually made for each other.
Doug Simmons and Angela Meitner will star in the theatrical subway ride described by critics as “Hilarious,” “Witty,” “Romantic,” “Poignant” and “Wonderfully entertaining.” Jeff Gibson will be handling the lights and sound, and providing the voice of the train conductor.
Director K.B. Bell said “2 Across” will be presented with a simple set, so it will be up to the actors to “sell” the story of two strangers on a train.
“They don’t know each other when they start the journey,” he said. “They know each other better when it’s finished.”
“Or not,” Simmons said.
A play with only two characters on stage presents a challenge for the actors, Meitner said. There are more lines to learn and they are on stage for the entire performance. Although playwright Jerry Mayer created “2 Across” to be shown with no intermission, Bell said he decided to add one. However, the entire play is set in present day with the story all taking place on one subway trip.
“2 Across” opens Thursday at the Crest Theater, 1905 Lakin Ave.
Light up the Crest


Light up the Crest

The Crest Theater has been a busy place of late. The cast and crew of “2 Across” have been working for the last six weeks. This past weekend, the first “Barton County’s Got Flavor” fundraiser included food tastings and a comedy show at the Crest Theater and Legends, next door, for Habitat for Humanity.
Later this month, Great Bend Community Theatre will install new lights in the Crest. The project was made possible by donations from the Thelma Harms Trust, Larry and Kathy Schugart and grants from Midwest energy and Wheatland Electric.