A theatre group based in Macomb will debut its largest production this weekend. Starry Night Repertory Theatre presents Enchanted April, a romantic comedy written by Mathew Barber. It’s based on the 1920’s novel by Elizabeth Von Arnim.
Matt and Becky Bean of Macomb star as an unhappily married couple who rekindle their love by the second act.
Becky Bean’s character is a restless housewife, who places an advertisement to find other female traveling companions for a trip to Italy. The play follows the group as they leave London behind for a month-long vacation.
“As you can imagine, these ladies are not necessarily compatible. So, they have some adventures in not only traveling to Italy but in getting to know and getting to deal with and eventually care about each other. And of course with it being Italy you do have to bring some men in to add some romance,” Becky Bean said.
Matt Bean said the characters are relatable. He said one of the themes in the show is redemption from loss.
“I’m very much looking forward to getting this in front of an audience because I sense they are going to have a wonderful time at the comedy in what’s going on,” said Matt Bean. “But there are also some powerful dramatic moments as well.”
The show has a unique configuration with the audience being seated on either side of the stage. Becky Bean said it’s kind of like a tennis court, if the stage was where the net usually is placed.
“So we’ve been having fun, of course, with our movement and making sure that everyone in the audience can see something at every given time in the show,” Becky Bean said. “So, you can’t really turn to the audience because the audience is all around you.”
The acting skills of Matt and Becky Bean will be on display at the Wesley Village Community Center this Friday and Saturday, May 1 and 2, at 7:30 p.m. along with a matinee showing at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. Encore performances will be held Friday and Saturday, May 8 and 9, at 7:30 p.m.
This is the first time Starry Night Repertory Theatre has run a show for two full weekends. And with eight actors, it’s also the largest cast the theatre group has used in a show.
