Stoneham Theatre
Presents Homespun Comedy
"The Porch"

Stoneham Theatre will present local playwright and director Jack Neary’s homespun comedy "The Porch," May 15 – June 1. Adapted from Neary’s original work "Beyond Belief," this New England inspired comedy follows the Labor Day preparations of three best friends as they bicker about Lawrence Welk, share recipes for potato salad, and swap stories about everything from Foxwoods senior bus trips to the president’s sex life. Set on the North Shore, "The Porch" invites audiences to enjoy good old-fashioned gossip with Gert, Marjorie and Alma.

Producing Artistic Director Weylin Symes commented, “Stoneham Theatre is proud to have this opportunity to work with Jack Neary, the all-star cast and creative design team on "The Porch's" next stage of development.” He added, “We promise our audiences will feel right at home laughing with and loving these characters."

When asked about the local flavor of "The Porch," Neary says, "I think the voice of the people I grew up with is one of humor and truth, and that gives way to compassion when crises develop. They confront them and survive to live another day going on bus trips and attending parish spaghetti suppers. The characters in (and on) 'The Porch' are survivors in the purest sense of the word.”

Directed by Neary, the cast features Ellen Colton, John Davin, Cheryl McMahon, Sheridan Thomas and Richard Snee.

To celebrate "The Porch's" opening, Stoneham Theatre is holding several special events on opening weekend, May 15–18. Thursday the 15th is Women in Business night, Friday the 16th is Gossip Night, (honoring the gossips in our communities), Saturday the 17th is the official press opening with a VIP Reception, and Sunday the 18th is The Porch's talkback performance.

For tickets and information, call the Stoneham Box Office at 781-279-2200 or visit www.stonehamtheatre.org.

-- OnStage Boston