By Mary Norquist

 

It’s been a long time since San Miguel de Allende has had very many opportunities for live theater. As the city becomes vaccinated and things are opening up again, the Between the Lemon Trees Players are presenting a hilarious comedic production of “A Bench in the Sun” by Ron Clark.

 

This production will be held in a private home garden setting with seating limited to 20 audience members. Seats will be spaced appropriately and masks will be required throughout the performance. 

 

Ron Clark has been called “America’s Educator.” In 2000, he was named Disney’s American Teacher of the Year. He is a two-time New York Times bestselling author whose book, “The Essential 55,” has sold over 1 million copies and has been published in 25 different countries. He has also been the subject of a television movie and the founder of the Ron Clark Academy. Ron is regularly featured on network and cable television (The Today Show, CNN, and Oprah,) and was dubbed by Oprah Winfrey as her first “Phenomenal Man.”

 

The Between the Lemon Trees Players is a loosely formed group of San Miguel actors who want to bring entertaining and exciting productions to their audiences and have fun while doing it! “A Bench in the Sun” is about Harold and Burt, longtime friends who live in a retirement home and spend their days on a bench in the garden bickering. A once-famous actress has just moved in, giving them something new to argue over. When they learn that the home is about to be sold and they will have to find a new residence, the three join forces to prevent this upsetting development. Mel Brooks says, “Very wise, very moving, but most of all, very funny.”  

 

Starring in this show are Howard Bach and Fil Formicola as Harold and Burt, respectively. Adding to the cast is Maggie Bunce, who plays the retired actress, Adrienne. These actors are no strangers to the stages in San Miguel having been in numerous productions at the San Miguel Playhouse, the Ten Minute Play Festival, the Screenwriters Showcase, and others. Joining the cast are Mary Norquist, producer; Garry Tanner, staff; and, Peggy Powell, associate director, choreographer and announcer’s voice. Fil Formicola is directing.

 

Tickets are 150 pesos and include a glass of wine or sparkling water. Reservations for the night or matinee of your choice can be made by emailing SMATheaterTickets@yahoo.com. Please give us your name(s) and your first and second choice of days and times. (Sundays have a matinee at 2pm and evening performance at 6pm.) You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. You will pay for your tickets at the door. Please try to bring correct change.