George Axelrod's classic screen comedy comes to life on Albany stage

By Heather Crabtree/Photos by Scobel Wiggins

The Entertainer

One of the most famous scenes in cinematic history is Marilyn Monroe holding down her dress as a gust of wind swoops it up in the 1955 movie "The Seven Year Itch."

Albany Civic Theater's production of the classic play by the same name may not have Marilyn Monroe, but it does have plenty of talent to pull off George Axelrod's comedy.

The play opens at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at ACT, 111 First Ave., Albany.

Additional performances will be at 8 p.m. Sept. 24, 30, Oct. 1, 6, 7, and 8 and at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 2.

Gary Tharp plays Richard Sherman, a man who sends his wife and child to the country for the summer while he stays behind in Manhattan. Richard, who has an over-active imagination, revels in the freedoms of a bachelor lifestyle while his wife is away.

Tharp tackles plenty of monologues, but won't leave the audience bored. He is a professional actor from the Los Angeles area, and he pulls off the role well, Director Jackie Tasker said.

Caron Ventura steps into Marilyn's shoes as the nameless girl who sparks Richard's fantasies. It is her first leading role.

"I'm more like Norma Jeane," she said during a rehearsal Tuesday night. Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles.

Ventura isn't the only one experiencing a first with "The Seven Year Itch." Tasker is making her debut as a director.

Tasker has been involved with ACT four seasons and currently serves on the ACT board of directors. She's been involved in almost every aspect of theater production before she took on her current role.

Although she said she was initially nervous when she began working on "The Seven Year Itch," she's settled into her role with ease.

"By Friday, they'll take over and I won't have to do a thing. I have a great cast," she said.

Tasker said she doesn't have a preference for directing or acting. She had roles in ACT's productions of "South Pacific" and "Auntie Mame."

Other cast members in "The Seven Year Itch are: Nancy Beaudry as Helen; Taylor Moffatt as Ricky; Stephanie Slinger as Ms. Morris; Jaclyn Moore as Marie; Jim Schweitzer as Dr. Brubaker; Tim De Quilettes as Tom; Jacque O'Mealy as Elaine; Jacob Mainard as the voice of Richard's conscience; Shauna Kiefiuk as the girl's conscience and Pat; and John Sams as the radio announcer.

If you Itch

WHAT: Albany Civic Theater's Production of "The Seven Year Itch."

WHEN: 8 p.m. Sept. 23, 24, 30, Oct. 1, 6, 7, 8, and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 2.

WHERE: Albany Civic Theater, 111 First Ave., Albany.

TICKETS: $9, adults; $6, over 60 and under 18. Tickets available at Sid Stevens Jewelers in Albany; Rice's Pharmacy in Corvallis, or ACT box office before the show.