Meet the “Squabbles” cast: Jackson Manning brings the laughs in CTH’s uproarious new comedy

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.”

He’s done everything from intense drama (“A Few Good Men”) to big-stage musicals (“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”). And now, he gets to show off his comedic chops.

Jackson Manning has become a staple on the CTH stage in recent years, and he’s back in the spotlight as Jerry in the group’s latest comedy, “Squabbles,” which opens Friday night and runs for the next two weekends.

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 (Manning) 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.

Manning’s theatrical family includes mom Shannon and dad Peter; younger sisters Keira and Lila; and a younger brother, Ian.

Here’s a closer look at Jackson Manning.

How did you get involved in CTH and what shows have you been involved with in the past? What are some of your favorite roles from the past, either with CTH or other groups?

My little sisters have been in many CTH shows and I’ve gone to every one. I always enjoy watching them perform, but I never considered doing it myself until my mom convinced me to audition for “A Few Good Men.” I got the part as Lance Corporal Dawson and I have been hooked ever since!

I’ve been in three additional shows including “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” as Zebulun, “A Christmas Carol” (Fred), and CTH’s first black-box production, “All In The Timing,” as Swifty. My favorite prior roles were Dawson and Zebulun, which definitely pushed me outside my comfort zone.

What do you most enjoy about doing shows with CTH?

I love the experience the most. Watching everyone grow and develop from the first day to opening performance and spending time getting to know so many new, wonderful people. Everyone at CTH feels like a big family to me, and it’s my home away from home.

What’s been your favorite part of the “Squabbles” experience?

I’ve loved all of it. We have a lot of fun each day, which is partly because the show is so funny. My favorite part of this experience is being able to work with such a talented group of actors and to be able to learn from them.

I am grateful for the opportunity to play the role of Jerry and for Kevin’s encouragement and help in bringing out this character. It has been a really great experience for me and I have learned so much.

What can audience members expect when they see the show?

All I can say is, people will definitely laugh. This show is absolutely hysterical and I still have trouble keeping a straight face in some scenes. Most people will be able to relate to many of the silly arguments that take place and will enjoy the humorous side of them. I really hope everyone enjoys it.

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.

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