I’ve had encounters with a few senior residences. First my mother, then my mother-in-law and how far behind could I be? And so did Paul Stroili, the creator of this fun story. It was his inspiration to write “A Juke Box for The Algonquin”. His characters are looking for some extra excitement and especially desiring that old time rock n’ roll music.
The Algonquin is the recreation room at the Placid Pines Senior Center in New York, a small-town home for older folk. One of the residents, Johnny, played to the tee by Kenneth Johnson, is hell bent on getting a Wurlitzer juke box for the Algonquin Room to add some excitement. He knows exactly the machine he wants, the songs he wants, but the $3000 price tag is way out of reach until… he and his fellow residents come up with an idea. But, is it legal? This approach for fund raising creates a lot of stress, disagreement and conflict until…out of the blue, the problem is solved.
The character dialog is hilarious as they ramble through trials and tribulations to get to their goal. One of the conflicted characters is Annie, played perfectly by Ellen Phelps. The interplay and banter among characters is a mile a minute. Sex, drugs, and rocking chairs is the perfect tag line for this fun show.
Also appearing: Elizabeth Rude as Peg, Bob Sanders as Dennis. Patrick Thornton as Chuck and Joshua Davis as Tyler. Karla Corona plays no-nonsense Placid Pines manager Josefina.
So…do they reach this new level of happiness? Are they able to overcome their stress and boredom? You will have to come see for yourself. It is a must see! I will not disclose the big wild ending, but I’ll give you a hint. Bring your dancing shoes.
See “A Jukebox for The Algonquin” runs through May 18th at Citadel Theatre in residence in the West Campus of the Lake Forest School District at 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest.. See the website for show times and other future productions at www.CitadelTheatre.org.