Curtain Call's 'Love Thy Neighbor' opens Friday

Wade Young, Montgomery Messenger

The hilarious story of a nosy, snooping and overbearing woman who wants to protect her neighborhood and her prize-winning marigolds is Curtain Call Theatre's dinner theatre production that opens on Friday at Hilltop Hall.

The play is directed by Larry Warden who has been sharing and caring about theater for more than 40 years.

The story

The story by Gary Ray Stapp features a brassy and sarcastic Leona Crump (Peg Cowart) who is armed with attitude and binoculars and is anxious over her new neighbors. Obnoxious Gafina Hambeff (Nancy Nelson), her hillbilly Maw (Lori Sanborn), and her love-struck boyfriend, Turner (John Grimm), unconscionably turn Leona's neighborhood upside down. Outnumbered, but refusing to be outmatched, Leona sets aside her obsession with her prize-winning marigolds, suits up in fatigues, and irrationally resolves to mop up the new neighbors all by herself. However, a flock of pink flamingos drives her over the edge and lands her in the local jail. But victory may still ultimately be Leona's-with the help of her weed-eater!

Warden said the production at the Hilltop Hall and the closeness of the stage to the audience bring a unique perspective to audience members.

They (audience) will not often get a chance to almost become part of the action