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“Born Yesterday” Next on Players Stage

Peninsula Players Theatre performs Garson Kanin’s classic American comedy Born Yesterday through July 27.

In this classic, Harry, an overbearing business tycoon, visits our nation’s capital to grease a few palms. While there, he hires an idealistic reporter to put a little polish on his ditzy gal-pal, Billie. Sure enough, sparks fly between the unlikely pair and Billie ends up being smarter than Harry thought!

This delightful Pygmalion-like play is a mix of romantic comedy, political satire and a coming-of-age story, which is still as relevant today as when it was first written in the 1940s. Garson Kanin won the Donaldson Award for Best First Play and Best Director for Born Yesterday, which ran for almost four years and 1,643 performances on Broadway with Judy Holliday in the starring role of Billie Dawn.

Making her Players’ debut as Billie Dawn is actress Erica Elam, who was named one of the “Top 5 Actors to Watch” by The Chicago Tribune.

Harry, the strong-willed racketeer who is used to getting his own way, will be played by Players’ veteran Neil Friedman who is fresh from his role as the father in Greetings!

Kevin McKillip plays the idealistic young reporter hired by Harry to educate Billie and finds himself attracted to her charm.

Rounding out the cast of Born Yesterday are Players’ company members Tom Mula and Carmen Roman as Sen. and Mrs. Hedges who pay social calls to Harry and Billie; Tim Monsion as Harry’s weary, yet still scheming, lawyer and James Leaming as Harry’s flunky and favorite henchman. Also featured is Joe Foust as the assistant manager, Maggie Carney as Helen the chamber maid, Cassandra Bissell as a manicurist, with Matt Fayfer, Deanne Dutton and Grace DeWolff as hotel staff.

The cast of Born Yesterday is under the direction of Peter Amster, who directed the Players’ first production in its new home, Master Class.

The Players perform Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 7:30 pm with a matinee performance at 4 pm, Sunday July 27. Ticket prices are $32.25 and $29; there are no performances on Mondays. For more information call 920.868.3287 or visit http://www.peninsulaplayers.com.