Live theater choices abound this weekend in Barton County. Adults seeking to quench their thirst for laughter should save at least one night for the Great Bend Community Theatre production, “Beer for Breakfast.”
Written by Sean Grennan, “Beer for Breakfast” is set in a snowed-in cabin where a group of middle-aged buddies (K.B. Bell, Jordan Coleman and Jeff Gibson) have reunited for a “guys’ weekend.” The plan is to eat chili, drink beer and relive the good old days, even though the guys have seen some not-so-good days.
Despite divorce, unemployment and a stroke, spirits are high until Jessie (Jan Frenzl), the wife of absent friend Adrian, shows up in his place. An epic battle of wits and stamina ensues: Will the men win their right to an all-out guy fest, or will woman be crowned the stronger sex after all?
Director Ken Harton notes that this is GBCT’s first production of its 2014-15 season. The players will be back next February with “2 Across” and in April with “Dixie Swim Club.” Relationships and comedy are recurring themes this year; while “Beer” is about a guys’ weekend, “Dixie” features an all-female cast and has been called “the new Steel Magnolias.” “2 Across” features and man and a woman in a romantic comedy.
One of the more challenging roles in “Beer for Breakfast” is Jordan Coleman’s character Richard, who has undergone a stroke.
“It’s interesting,” Coleman said of his part. “I can’t move my hand the entire play, and I walk with a limp.” Richard’s speech is also impaired, making him vocally unintelligible, yet the script allows his humanity to shine through.
As a director, Harton is tasked with helping Coleman play his part without being offensive to real stroke victims. He enlisted Angela Meitner, GBCT’s co-manager (with her husband Wes) who is also an occupational therapy assistant, to provide some feedback on the part.
“Beer for Breakfast” opens Thursday at the Crest Theater.
Reviewers have cheered its witty dialogue. A Kansas City reviewer found the “battle of the sexes” premise a bit dated, but conceded it was one that would resonate with older audiences in the Heartland. For Great Bend, it should be a refreshing cocktail of comedy.