NE FL Conservatory Grows its Repertoire with Three’s a Family

January 17, 2019
2 mins read
NE FL Conservatory, Three's a Family

This past weekend, the NE Florida Conservatory debuted its first non-musical (straight) show as they expand their artistic stage outreach beyond vocalists by adding straight plays to their repertoire, Three’s a Crowd, a comedy written by Phoebe and Henry Ephron, opened on Broadway in 1943. It has not been widely performed, which is sad, as it is a very funny script. I don’t know how director Bill Di Stanisloa found this gem.

Sam (Gavin Turner) and Francis Whitaker (Ralin Trosclair) play off each other well sharing their two-bedroom apartment with Francis’ sister, Irma, for two years. Very soon it becomes a household of five, when the Whitakers’ daughter, Kitty (Audrey Elizabeth Everett), moves in with her baby, her husband (Joseph Howard) having gone off to the war after a torrid argument. This displaces Irma from her room to the living room sofa, making her feel like an unwanted guest. Come Thanksgiving, it becomes a household of seven, when the Whitakers’ Vaudeville-style son, Archie (Alex Liggett), and his very-pregnant wife (Madeline Krawchuck) wind up having their baby there before dinner’s served because all of the hospitals are full. The two-bedroom apartment has now become a household of eight, when you count the revolving-door maids (Erin Krull and Emily Turner) who come and go and add hilarity to the mix. If that’s not enough, add in a terribly old Dr. Bartell (Andy Thompson) whose professional visits make it seem like a trip to a sanitarium’s in order.

NE FL Conservatory, Three's a Family

Kitty’s husband, Eugene, surprises the family by returning on leave for Thanksgiving. Only he finds that the maid has gotten drunk and run off with the baby, his mother-in-law hired the maid off the street, and when the baby is returned, she’s overtired and won’t stop crying. Eugene wants a divorce and custody, so he asks over his attorney friend, Joe Franklin (George Doran), who shows up also on Thanksgiving, with his two-weeks-late pregnant wife, Marion (Kayla Chouinard). Everyone other than Eugene can think of nothing other than, “how do we get them out of here before another delivery?”

NE FL Conservatory, Three's a Family

The relatively large cast is rounded out by a diaper delivery man (Evan Billings), a Western Union deliverer (Grace Shields), and two movers for the baby furniture (Evan and Pat Billings). The set was a charming and effective use of the space. The props, music, and most costumes were period for the 40’s, adding a nice touch.

The show was only onstage for the one weekend, so by the time you read this it will be too late to attend. You’ll just have to look for their next venture. I’m certainly looking forward to seeing what it will be!

NE FL Conservatory is located at 11363 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223. For reservations or information, you can call (904) 374-8639 or go to www.showtixnow.com. The Conservatory offers ongoing music and dance classes.

Current Issue

SUBMIT EVENTS

Submit Events

Advertisements

Alice Cooper at the AMP
The Amp
Collision Homecoming
JWJ Park Events
omaha-steaks-banners

Date

Title

Current Month

Follow FOLIO!

Previous Story

Stripped Down and Evolved, Pete Yorn Returns to Florida

OPCT's Dixie Swim Club, Orange Park Community Theatre
Next Story

Dive into Enjoyment with OPCT’s Dixie Swim Club

Latest from Feature

Empty Register: The Band That Spans Across City Lines

Words and Photos by Amiyah Golden  A couple months back, I was enjoying a night that was filled with a variety of tunes under the Riverside Arts Market Bridge. As I watched the next group prepare for their set, the static flow of expectancy was instead disrupted by something

Political Schemes and The TikTok Ban 

Words by Ambar Ramirez In the weeks leading up to the TikTok ban, there were faint glimmers of hope that it might be delayed. But alas, influencers who had risen to fame on the endlessly addictive platform began bidding their followers goodbye; Red Note quickly claimed the top spot

The Ultimate V-Day Day-trip Guide

Words by Carmen Macri Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and whether you see it as a Hallmark invention designed to sell cards and make single people feel worse, or you’re happily coupled up and not as jaded as the rest of us, chances are you’re looking for

Letterboxd Reviews

Words by Waverly Loyd Some things just write themselves. But this got me thinking… everyone has their guilty pleasure movies. Their “hear me out” movies. These are movies that in the cinephile world, you know you would get a 60-second head start after confessing your love for them. Seriously

February New Music

Feb. 14 The Lumineers  “Automatic” It’s been three years since this popular folk-duo has released a full-length album, and fans are over the moon (it’s me) with glee as they hear the pair merge sounds again with “Automatic.”  I highly appreciate the release date falling on Valentine’s Day, as it’ll
July 5th Cleanup
GoUp

Don't Miss

Theatre Jacksonville Launches its 100th Season with "Twelve Angry Men", Photo by Maya Adkins

Theatre Jacksonville Launches its 100th Season with a Great Cast in “Twelve Angry Men”

A DUAL CRITICS REVIEW: TWELVE ANGRY MEN AT THEATRE JACKSONVILLE Theatre
Pride & Prejudice, Northeast Florida Conservatory

No Prejudice for this Pride-Worthy Performance by Northeast Florida Conservatory

With performances at Mandarin Presbyterian Church before moving to Atlantic