Woody Allen Comedy Warms Up Winter Nights

Despite the Winter hibernation that grips the Southern Highlands this time of year, Highlands Theatre Group (Mittagong, NSW) promises that the laughs will make it well worth coming out for in their production of Woody Allen play Don’t Drink The Water.

Jan Merriman makes her directorial debut for Highlands Theatre Group after acting in a number of shows for the company over several years including Top Girls, The Importance of Being Earnest (1995 production), Witness for the Prosecution and most recently as Lady Catherine de Burgh in Pride and Prejudice. Her directorial experience with other companies includes The Real Inspector Hound, The Crucible, St Joan and Harold Pinter's The Birthday Party.

With a background in English and Drama education, Jan says, “I like the opportunity that directing gives to impact more on a production than just as an actor doing your bit. I enjoy the interaction with people and to help less experienced actors to realise their potential.

“We've got a terrific young cast of actors for this production and they are giving 100%.”

Don’t Drink The Water is set in the US Embassy of an unknown country behind the Iron Curtain.  The action revolves around tourists from New Jersey, the Hollander family - Walter, Marion and their daughter Susan.  After taking some holiday snaps in an inappropriate location, they are forced to flee from the pursuing secret police. With the ambassador away, the family is left in the incapable hands of his bumbling son Alex Magee and all kinds of plans are hatched for their escape …with all ending in some kind of hilarious chaos!

When asked what drew her to pick this play Jan said, “Woody Allen is such a creative brilliant writer of comedy.  I was involved in a production of this play some time ago and loved it and have long wanted to direct a production for the Southern Highlands. It's fun to be in and fun to watch.

“At the first reading the cast were constantly breaking up into hysterical laughter, so the challenge is to keep that energy and delight in performance through the long and pretty tedious process of rehearsal … Trying to keep a straight face is a bit tricky for the actors at the moment, but after they've done it a thousand more times, I'm sure it they will be able to hold it in.”

Don’t Drink The Water

Mittagong Playhouse, Bowral Road, Mittagong

July 19, 20, 26, 27 August 2 & 3, 2013 at 8pm

July 21, 27, 28 & August 3, 2013 at 2pm

TICKETS:  $18 special - all tickets for opening night

Remaining performances $20 - $24 with family and group price options

BOOKINGS:  www.htg.org.au and click on the yellow ‘BOOK‘ button or contact Southern Highlands Tourism on 1300 657 559.