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Dave 2’s Review of Greetings

Zach Scott | Digital Producer, NBC2

Published Dec. 5, 2024

Greetings | Players Circle Theater

‘Greetings’ at Players Circle Theater

If you’re looking for a magical Christmas experience, I’m going to suggest you make plans to see “Greetings” playing now at the Players Circle Theater along McGregor Blvd in Fort Myers.

It’s one of those shows that has you leaving the theater doing a lot of thinking and self-examination.

You may want to get your tickets soon because word of mouth is spreading. Sunday’s matinee was nearly sold out, and tickets are going quickly for a seat inside the family’s home. Here’s why:

What happens when a working-class devout Catholic family from Pittsburgh gets the surprise of their life when their oldest son brings home his New York fiancée, who is Jewish turned atheist? Well, let me say that surprise fails in comparison to what is about to come in this two-act performance.

Greetings

Source: NBC2

It is the family’s youngest son, Mickey, who was born with an intellectual disability played so brilliantly by actor Harvey Evans, who is more than convincing in his role, and it is clear he studied the character who is all but non-verbal until only his mother hears him say greetings. Evans recently played a blind character in “Butterflies Are Free.”

Actress Carrie Lund Cacioppo is perfect for the role of his mother, Emily. Her husband Phil, played by Douglas Rees, is a cranky “Archie Bunker” type character who seems to have trouble finding anything to be happy about. Having lived in Pittsburgh for 10 years and growing up outside of the city, I thought Rees was the epitome of a blue-collar father.

On Christmas Eve, their eldest son Andy, played by Shane Dinan, arrives with his girlfriend Randi, played by Natalie Brouwer. This is where all the controversy starts once the parents realize she isn’t “one of them.” Immediately, walls go up, and it doesn’t appear anyone is about to budge in their beliefs.

But Tom Dudzick’s comedy is much more than a “boy brings fiancee home for Christmas” story. As the family bickers, it’s Mickey who has the final word after shouting “greetings” to get everyone’s attention, including the audience. What seems like a miracle as the theater goes dark, ending Act I.

Act II opens with some imagination needed by the audience as Mickey’s character, as it seems an ancient, wise and witty spirit enters Mickey’s body in a mission to heal the family. Let yourself be enthralled by it.

Given the intimacy of the Players Circle Theater, audience members are right there in the family’s home to learn a few lessons for themselves.

It’s difficult to write a review of what this play is all about, and perhaps it’s best for people to experience it themselves. They will be glad they did. This is a show you can’t walk away from without thinking about it. The set is beautiful, and the seasoned actors are superb and perfectly cast in their roles.

Director Ted Wioncek III should be proud of this production, which is certainly worthy of the title of one of the best shows I’ve seen this season.

“Greetings” runs through Dec. 22. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 239-800-3292.

Players Circle Theater is located at 13211 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. For more information, call 239-800-3292.

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