From now until opening night on Feb. 2, the Livingston Post will be profiling the cast members of the Community Theatre of Howell’s Production of “Squabbles.”
After a 45-year hiatus, Gary Roe is returning to the stage in CTH’s rip-roaring new comedy, “Squabbles.”
And he couldn’t be happier.
A lifelong Livingston County resident, Roe’s last time on stage came during his days at Brighton High School in the 1970s, directed by the legendary Diana Rose. And now, he’s back on stage helping to bring the laughs as Wasserman in “Squabbles.”
The play pits a father-in-law against a mother in a comedic succession of squabbles. It’s essentially a sitcom on the stage. Jerry Sloan is a successful writer of advertising jingles married to an equally successful lawyer. Living with the happy couple is the not so happy Abe Dreyfus, Jerry’s curmudgeon of a father-in-law. Abe is a funny guy to the audience, not to Jerry.
The situation is exacerbated when Jerry’s mother Mildred (Towns) loses her house in a fire and needs a place to stay. Abe and Mildred can’t stand each other. This play is one hilarious confrontation after another until the heartwarming finale in which the oldsters discover that really, each is not so bad.
Roe has four children (all Howell High School grads), and six grandchildren.
Here’s a closer look at Gary Roe:
How did you get involved in CTH?
My eldest grandson wanted to see “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” in the fall, so we did. At intermission, a CTH member started cajoling me to audition for a part. I told her I loved participating in shows and had thought about it frequently, but that my last performance was 45 years ago, and wasn’t sure.
She persisted and 10 days later, I showed up for auditions, kind of on a lark. Kind of surprised when I got a part, along with thrilled, excited and terrified.
I’ve been in several high school plays and one at MSU.
What are some of your favorite roles from the past, either with CTH or other groups?
Our high-energy drama teacher at Brighton High School, Diana Rose, promoted the arts indefatigably. I particularly enjoyed playing Marcellus in “The Music Man” and Leroy, the handyman who was done in by the 10-year-old Rhoda in “The Bad Seed.”
What’s been your favorite part of the “Squabbles” experience?
The great people I’m getting to know and the intergenerational exchanges. I find it exhilarating to see the youth and the “not-so-young“ crowd working so well together.
I couldn’t count the number of times I’ve mused, “I’d like to try that some time.” After I’ve commented on the same subject multiple times, Linda calls me out with, “Then I suggest you either do it, or quit talking about it.”
Her advice usually gets me out of my comfort zone. Great way to stay fresh … this qualifies!
From coaching kids and grandkids to stand-up classes and shows, the best part of every activity I’ve ever enjoyed is always the people you rub shoulders with. CTH is certainly not a disappointment.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
Whether they laugh ‘til their sides hurt, or awaken refreshed, it should be time well spent!
The Community Theatre of Howell’s production of “Squabbles” takes the stage Feb. 2-4 and 9-11 at the Howell High School Freshman Campus, 1400 W. Grand River Ave. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday each weekend.
Tickets are $13 for adults, $11 for students and seniors, available at Finding Roots in Howell, Maria’s School of Dance in Fowlerville, Big Acre in Brighton, and Ed Bock Feed and Stuff in Pinckney. Tickets are also available by calling 517-545-1290, or online at cththeatre.org. You can buy tickets by clicking here.
