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The Palo Alto Players’ 71st season opened last week with the Northern California premiere of “Personals,” a comedy-musical by the creators of the hit TV series “Friends.”
The collection of comic scenes, monologues and songs explores the perils and pleasures of blind dating as six lonely hearts look for love in New York’s personal ads.
The book and lyrics of “Personals” are by David Crane, Seth Friedman and Marta Kauffman. A host of composers have contributed to the music of “Personals.” Most notably among the show’s composers are Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz.
“Personals” runs through Sept. 30 at Lucie Stern Theater, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto.
Palo Alto Players’ former artistic director, Wende Pollock, returned from her home in New York to guest-direct the production.
“I am ecstatic to be back in Palo Alto directing “Personals,” Pollock said. “The terrific restaurants in the area are only surpassed by the acting talent we’ve been able to assemble for this comic, sometimes poignant, musical.”
Joining Pollock are two members of the creative team from the Players’ production of the popular musical “Forever Plaid.” Working together again – this time on “Personals” – are Matthew Stenquist Mattei, the show’s musical director, and choreographer Shely Pack-Manning.
The six-person ensemble cast includes Lauren Coberly (Palo Alto), Joe Colletti (Sunnyvale), Michelle Jones (Foster City), Jared Lee (South San Francisco), Kristina Muhlker (Redwood City) and Tim Reynolds (Fremont).
Scenic design for “Personals” is created by Palo Alto Players’ production manager, Ron Gasparinetti, with lighting design by Michael Palumbo. Costume design is by Cynthia Preciado. Joan Sommerfield is the properties designer. Sound reinforcement and design is by Grant Huberty. Pam Bergmann is the production’s stage manager with assistance by Lisa Sramek.
The curtain lifts at 8 p.m., Wednesdays through Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 30.
Ticket prices are $20 for Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday performances and $24 for Friday and Saturday night shows.
Students and seniors can receive a $3 discount for Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday performances. Special discounts for parties of 15 or more are also available.
For tickets and more information, call 329-0891.
