Theater Review
New Smyrna Beach Breeze - July 11, 2003
Don't Drink the Water
by SANDI CARROLL
Editor

on't Drink the Water, a hilarious Woody Allen farce opened last Friday at the Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach. For those of you who like to laugh, this is a must-see production.

The play takes place in an American embassy in a Communist country where an Walter Hollander, the caterer from New Jersey, his wife, Marion, played by Debbi Dinkins and daughter, Susan, played by Tara Jenkins, seek asylum when they are chased by the secret police for suspected spying. The dialogue between Walter and Marion is a hoot.

The ambassador, played by Dr. Dale Lilyfors, is away and his inept son Axel, played by Michael Dollar, who has been expelled from a dozen countries and the continent of Africa is in charge.

The Hollanders plot their escape amidst an array of colorful characters. Aaron Collins plays the narrator, Father Drobney. Bruce Fogleman is Kilroy, the ambassador's bright-eyed efficient assistant. Charlotte Crouse is embassy assistant Ms. Burns, Woodee Durham plays the chef who is always in a tizzy, and Stan Sanders is Krojack, the head of the Secret Police. Rounding out the cast is Guy George as the Sultan of Bashir and Melinda Seeman as his wife, Edward Dupree III as Kasner, Irene Spatz as Countess Bordoni, Dennis Perry, as Novotny and a guard, and Rita Riall as the maid.

Ree Ann Naylor directs this talented cast, with Fritz Begy as stage manager. Bill Roehrborn is the technical director and Ann Knadle is the set decorator. Jenny Sejansky is the dialogue coach. Camille Dickinson and Rita Riall are in charge of props. Rose Dingas, Ruth Stammen, and Diane Jingozian are in charge of costumes and Vikki del Fiacco is in charge of lights and sound.

Copyright © 2003 the Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach, Inc.