Fourth Estate Newspaper

Issue date: 10/1/09 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: Photo courtesy of Venture Theatre Holding on to love, life and movies in the "The Movie Game"

While looking for something to do on a Thursday night, I stumbled across the quite exciting information that a play was opening in De Pere. Not only a play, but a romantic comedy. Being the girlie-girl that I am, I got pumped up at the thought of seeing a love story played out before my very eyes. Fortunately, my excitement didn't go to waste.
Venture Theatre, located at 380 Main Ave., has created a blockbuster event in its play, "The Movie Game," currently running through Oct. 10.
The play stars Tony Mayer as Jack, a lovable, nerdy movie fanatic, desperately trying to find a way to live his life the way the people in the movies do. Jack, who works in a video store and lives in his parent's basement, goes to see a therapist in hopes of working through his movie-obsessed existence. What ensues is nothing short of hilarious.
The therapist recommends that Jack hire a director to turn his world into a real life movie, complete with mom, dad, wacky sister and love interests.
Also directing and starring in the play is Maria Bartholdi as Jack's best friend, Samantha. These two inseparable friends know each other inside and out. Their love for classic films bonds them.
Mayer and Bartholdi's easy give-and-take on stage solidify the chemistry of their characters and has the audience laughing from beginning to end. Though the idea of two best friends falling in love isn't new, these two actors are endearing on stage in a light-hearted yet realistic way.
One particular scene had me roaring when Sam gets completely hammered at a night club in an attempt to drown her sorrows over Jack's sudden lust, Maggie, played by Karen Meyer. Bartholdi's character drinks shots and sings karaoke in an attempt to get Jack's attention but alas, it does no use, as he is smitten with the engaged sex-kitten, Maggie.
His mother, played by Sarah Goltz, and father, played by Gary Radke, are the kind of parents that anyone can identify with; a little bit goofy, but still loving and understanding. As the play goes on, things get worse and worse for Jack.
He is faced with some big decisions that he finds himself having to overcome without the help of a movie lens for once.
One of my favorite characters in the play was, surprisingly, a supporting role in Jack's bookworm sister, portrayed by Kristen Barbiaux. The one-liners, that Barbiaux delivered flawlessly, were gut-wrenchingly hilarious and brought the audience to it's knees on opening night.
In the end, the nerd gets the girl, as with most romantic comedy situations. "The Movie Game," though predictable, doesn't disappoint.
The actors of "The Movie Game" are seasoned comedic professionals. The main characters are all portrayed by long-time improv players of Comedy City, the Venture Theatre's sister theater.
In addition to seeing a great show, enjoy the concessions at Venture Theatre.
Not only do they serve food, but beer and other alcoholic beverages are available.
Tickets to this sensational event are $12 for adults and $10 for students. Time is running out to see this great play in all of it's glory. Enjoy a night of theater and head over to De Pere for a little wooing and giggles. It will be well worth the journey.

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