Bad Year for Tomatoes' debuts Friday

A seven-person cast will premiere the Barn Theater’s latest, a slapstick comedy featuring actress Myra Marlow and her imaginary crazy sister, Sister Sadie — both played by theater veteran Judy Hellrung.

The story revolves around Myra, a famous actress who has lived in Hollywood and acted in television shows since she was five years old, and is looking for an escape.

“She decides to get away from the rat race of Hollywood and write an autobiography,” said director Steve Ross.

He said the protagonist’s plans are foiled by a host of “gossipy neighbor ladies,”  including a “fortune teller witch-type” played by Sydney Laux and a “mountain man” played by Springville resident Art Crafts.

Other characters include two neighbors played by Sara Bradford and Amanda Borjon, the actress’ agent played by Jip Woudstra and a sheriff played by Ross himself.

Ross said the highlight of the show should cause the audience great amusement: “a lot of funny lines” and “just a lot of funny stuff” punctuate the play.

According to Ross, the cast members, with the exception of Crafts, are all from Porterville.

The show will run Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21.

Three Sunday matinees will take place at 2:15 p.m. on Nov. 8, 15 and 22.

The traditional Sunday brunch, which costs $12, will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 15.

Reservations, which will be made on a first come first served basis, are required for the midday meal by Nov. 11.

Reservations can be made online at www.barntheater.porterville.com or 310-7046.

-- Contact Sarah De Crenscenzo at 784-5000, Ext. 1045, or sdecrenscenzo@portervillerecorder.com.