After 20 years, the Clarkston Village Players present Neil Simon’s, ‘God’s Favorite? once again at the Depot Theatre.
This play comedy is a loose modern day tale of the Biblical story of Job.
‘It is God who gives and God who takes away,? said Joe Benjamin (played by Al Bartlett.)
Joe, the modern day Job, finds himself blissfully happy, living the rich life of success with his family in Long-Island New York.
But even with all of his success, Joe doesn’t understand the reasoning why his oldest child David, continues to live a life on the wild-side as a partier and drunk. Joe’s constant prayer is for David to change his ways.
Joe’s beliefs are tested when Sidney Lipton, (played by Mel Case) a messenger from God asks him to renounce God. When Joe refuses, he goes through a series of trials in which all of he owns is taken from him, as well as physical sufferings of the body and health.
After Joe has faced all the trials will he still hold firm to his beliefs that God is a good and loving God?
Other cast members include Joe’s wife Rose Benjamin (Linda Mishler), Joe’s twin daughters Sarah and Bonnie Benjamine (Hali Kivari and Lyndsay Breckenridge) Joe’s servants Morris and Mady (Mike Cavin and Melissa Breckenridge).
The play was produced by Jennifer Gentry Salski and directed by Joe Mishler, whose been a drama teacher at Holly High School since 1972 as well as written a number of plays that have been performed.
‘I thought it was a challenge, between the characters and changing the set three times,? said Mishler who picked to direct the play. ‘I like directing here, it’s a lot different than Holly High school’s auditorium and I like working with all the great people and cast.?
Mishler said being a director was like being an artist. Starting with just a script and an empty stage and watching as the stage is filled and seeing both the actors and the set develop.
‘Plays are characters and story telling at its best. It’s never the same. Some characters are on one night and off the next, and sometimes they’re all on,? he said.
God’s Favorite will be performed January 18-19, 25-27, and 31, and Feb. 1-2 at Depot Theater, 4861 White Lake Road. Showtime’s are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.
For ticket information call 248-625-8811 or visit www.clarkstonvillageplayers.org.