‘The Foreigner’ visits Gallery Theatre

Published 10:26 am Wednesday, November 7, 2018

AHOSKIE – The second production of the 2018/ 2019 Gallery Theatre season is the side splitting comedy called The Foreigner.

The stage play opens Nov. 9 for two weekends. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (Nov. 9-10 and Nov. 16-17); and Sunday afternoon matinees at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 11 and 18.

The story transports to a secluded hunting and fishing lodge in the back woods of Georgia, where we meet an odd array of unique characters, many of whom are not what they seem. We are first introduced to two gentlemen who have traveled from abroad: Sergeant Froggy LeSueur, who is on official business, and Charlie Baker who needs to just get away.

We soon meet the owner of the house, Betty Meeks, a sweet old woman who runs the residence as a bed and breakfast for those wishing to have peaceful days fishing in the lake nearby. Residing within the house with Betty is a pair of siblings, Catherine and Ellard Simms, and the Reverend David Lee who is engaged to Catherine.

The final person in the story to appear is Owen Musser, a racist man with a dangerous agenda. Mayhem ensues as the dishonesty of some of the characters becomes evident with good and bad intentions. We see one character rise above his shortcomings, and others exposed for their true sinister natures. In a comical series of events we see a battle of good versus evil play out. Sometimes a simple idea can overcome the most sinister design.

“The Foreigner” features Betty Joyner, Tony Correa, Billie Jo Flythe, Norman Askew, Tim Flanagan and Marlon Künstler. Upon asking any of the cast in this production, they all seem to agree on one thing, this is the funniest play they have ever been involved in. The energy and charisma between the actors is unmistakable. The script writing is very clever, in where you actually feel part of the story.

The obvious path to a crazy ending builds all throughout and will not disappoint!

The Foreigner also conveys a very important message. It is not race that sets people apart, it is the everlasting conflict of good versus evil. A strong meaning delivered with a light heart. An amazing script, an outstanding cast, a talented director and loads of laughs await! Don’t miss it!!

For more info about the Gallery Theatre productions and auditions, visit www.gallerytheatreahoskie.com