The Community Theatre of Howell is presenting “Love Machine: An Evening of One Acts” on April 23-25 and April 30-May 2, with showtimes at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. All performances take place at the Howell High School Freshman Campus, 1400 W. Grand River Ave., Howell.
“Love Machine: An Evening of One-Acts” features five highly entertaining one-act plays, with a heavy emphasis on comedy.
The show is directed by Rick Spangler and produced by Linda Peasley and Kim Carnahan. Technical director is Chris Eldred and stage manager is Madison LeMieux.
Masks must be worn in the audience and social distancing will be observed. Tickets are $10, available by clicking here.
Over the next two weeks, the Livingston Post will be introducing you to members of the cast.
In today’s story, we meet Kevin Rogers of Brighton. He and his wife Theresia have a daughter Tori, 23, and two dogs, Belle and Ariel (named for Disney characters in two shows he directed). Rogers is a Senior Network Engineer with Real Green Systems in Walled Lake.
How did you first become involved with CTH? How many shows have you been involved with?
My daughter was cast as munchkin in “The Wizard of Oz” back in 2008. She wanted me to audition for the Lion, but I’d just started a new job … so I promised her I’d try out for the next one, which was “Escanaba in da Moonlight.” “Love Machine” will make my 33rd show.
What are some favorite roles or theater experiences from the past, either with CTH or other groups?
Favorite roles: Donkey in “Shrek,” Freddie in “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” and Colonel Nathan Jessup in “A Few Good Men.” Favorites I’ve directed: “Beauty and the Beast,” “Young Frankenstein,” “Annie.”
What do you like most about being involved with CTH?
It truly is a family…and I love that people of all different ages/race/lifestyle/beliefs get along and come together so well and easily.
Tell us about “The Love Machine” and why you like this show.
I like that the “show” is actually five different short, absolutely ridiculous, comedic skits … it keeps the flow going, and the hour and a half doesn’t seem that long. We all have 2-3 different characters and different voices to perform, which is fun.
I also get to wear one of the best CTH costumes ever hand-crafted by our genius costumer, Dawn Eldred. Rick and Madison have been a great directing team. Finally, I got to work with five other really great actors, most of whom are branching out of their comfort zones, and have really shined and made it all fun.
What can the audience expect with this production?
As we come closer to the end of this year-long COVID nightmare, we’re offering a safe escape for 1.5 hours. Laughter is the best medicine, and I think people will love the show.