Sandra On Scene: Nana’s Naughty Knickers

Sandra On Scene: Nana’s Naughty Knickers

Paris Performers’ Theatre is having a little sexy fun this time around with Paris Performers’ presents:Nana’s Naughty Knickers written by Katherine DiSavino at the Paris Fair Grounds.

This is a first time directing effort for Darlene Murphy who says, “I’m a little rattled,” but adds, “I couldn’t have had a better more experienced cast.”

The cast includes Susan Dignan as the Nana Silvia Charles, Catherine Camp Paynter as her friend Vera Walter, Victoria Hudson Muir as Bridget the frazzled law student granddaughter, Jamie McKenzie as the cop Tom O’Grady who has eyes for Bridget, Rose Huysentruyt-Closs as Heather Van Pree a “businesswoman”, Stuart Chambers as the unlikable landlord Gil Schmidt, Lynn McNeily as Claire Schmidt and Sean McAndrew and Joost Nijland as delivery guys. Linda Lloyd-McKenzie as understudy for Camp Paynter plays Vera for the first Saturday performance only, which is a dinner theatre.

Bridget and her grandmother are about to become roommates. However, what Bridget sees as a unique opportunity to stay with her favourite Nana in New York for the summer, quickly turns into an experience she will never forget. It seems sweet nana is running an illegal boutique from her apartment, selling hand-made naughty knickers and lingerie to every senior citizen in the five borough area! Will Bridget be able to handle all the excitement? Will her Nana get arrested? Or worse…evicted?

“When I decided to try my hand at directing, I wanted something hilariously funny,” says Murphy. “Nana’s naughty Knickers filled the order.”

She says her directing debut has been “a learning experience” and she is grateful for the help of George Fowlie who was her mentor through the process. Fowlie, a retired teacher, has been directing community theatre since 1974.

Probably the most challenging aspect of this show is the set elements full of secret closets and sliding doors and wardrobes.

Stage Manager Terri Lynn Graham says, “The hidden closet was the hardest part as the scrim was put together in two pieces and it’s huge.” Graham adds, “We had to also enclose all the hidden elements from backstage so that the audience couldn’t see the crew operating the set pieces. Thankfully we have some very smart people on our crew to figure out the logistics of the mechanical parts.”

Paris Performers builds their stage from scratch for every show. It takes about a week to construct.

“The effort I would say is the same going into each set,” says Graham. “We have a plan from the director and our two main set builders, John Creeden and Tyler Graham work on the logistics of what we want and let us know what’s feasible and what’s not. They’re pretty awesome though and can construct anything.”

Some of the props for Nana’s Naughty Knickers are rather risqué. “For this particular show I shopped at the Love Shop,” says Graham. “We had a great time going through the discount bins for just the right pieces to make you squirm a little in your seat and give you a good laugh.”

Graham adds, “I would say the concept of the show itself is not really risqué however the content of the boxes are a little eye catching,” she laughs. “Nana is a little more demure, but Heather’s store is well… more like the love shop.” Murphy says she is expecting mixed reactions from audiences about what they see onstage, but is feeling good about it.

Graham is confident, “Honestly, our audience is very loyal and as soon as they heard “Naughty Knickers” the ticket sales started coming in.” She adds, “It’s a great laugh and with a few well placed negligees and naughtier pieces we’re sure the audience is going to have a great time.”

Opening night will be adjudicated for the Western Ontario Drama League (WODL) for which Paris Performers often place well.

The show opens February 19, 2016 at 8 P.M. and runs Feb 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28 with Sunday shows at 2 P.M.

Tickets Booking Office 519-302-0169 (leave message) or at the door $18 each, Students $5, Groups of 10 or more $15 each.
www.parisperformers.com

Make sure to Be Seen enjoying Nana’s Naughty Knickers this weekend!

Submitted by: Sandra L Anderson
To see more of her work, please visit: Sandlyn Publishing