Cheaters

by Michael Jacobs

Cheaters was first presented January 15, 1978 at the Biltmore Theatre, New York.

Synopsis:

Cheaters, Michael Jacobs’ comic look at marital infidelities, is an hilarious play focusing on the sexual escapades of three couples, two of whom are sleeping with the other’s spouse, unbeknown to their spouses and their children, Allen and Michelle. Allen and Michelle, young, live-in lovers make up the third couple, who argue constantly about whether or not their relationship is based on true love or good sex. Such material provides some good comic opportunities for the actors.

Howard, the 56-year-old father of Michelle, is striving to retain his youth by passing himself off as a 48-year-old and having an affair with Allen’s mother, Monica. Howard expresses his pointed views on marriage and relationships with wonderfully biting sarcasm.

Monica, an aging beauty queen, who beds Howard and is the mother of Allen, is a strong-willed, stubborn, sophisticated woman who refuses to believe her prime is past. She is domineering and sensual, and still looks good in a negligee and evening gown.

Neurotic Sam is the father of Allen, husband of Monica, and shy, clumsy lover of Grace. Sam’s character reacts to his various predicaments with broad physical humor. Whether bringing a bucket of chicken to his tryst with Grace or trying to crawl out of the living room under an afghan, Sam provides some of the funniest moments in the show.

Appropriately named, Grace has to hide the Bible when she and Sam make love. When she is aroused she explodes with an hysterical passion, long hidden in this kind, simple knitter of afgans.

 Lois Carter directed this show, assisted by Ann Newman.


  Cast:

 Monica - late 40's early 50's  Kay Thomas
 Howard - late 40's early 50's  Charles Wilson
 Sam - late 40's early 50's  Susan Rudniak
 Grace - late 40's early 50's  Greg Morrison
 Michelle - mid-20's  Tonya Goodson
 Allen - mid-20's  Robb Patterson

  Backstage and Technical crew:

 Stage Manager  Charles Mirus
 Lighting Design  John Webster
 Lighting Apprentices  Joey Miller, Gary Pasley, Joni Standish, Robert Smith, Jean Pasley
 Lighting Technician  Kimberly Barrett
 Sound Design  Uncle Harley
 Sound Technicians  Ann Newman, Frank Barrett

 

Others who have contributed time, labor and skills to the successful completion of this play:

 Set Design  Charles Wilson
 Set Construction  Charles Wilson, Lois Carter, Lynn Rebello, Sharon Harvey, Art Rogers, Susan Rudniak, Adrienne Rogers, Jessie Bozeman, Frank Barrett, Kimberly Barrett, Katie Black, Bill Schilling, Estelle Miller, Joey Miller, Katherine Rozell, Charles Mirus, Ann Newman, Pam Rudloff, RoseMarie Anderson, Sandy Wilson, Shelley Brannon, Robert Smith, John Webster, Margaret Webster
 Electrical Set Work  Bill Schilling, John Webster, Margaret Webster
 Set Dressing  RoseMarie Anderson, Pam Rudloff, Lynn Rebello, Lois Carter
 Properties   Lynn Rebello, Pam Rudloff, RoseMarie Anderson
 Costumes  the Cast
 Photography  Burt Lohnstein
 Special Thanks To  Adrienne Rogers, Debra Stallings, Normandy Cooper, Sue Webb, The Martin Theatre, and Fine Things