Small Pond Productions Presents "Drinking Habits 2: Caught in the Act"

In the genre of "nun plays" which refer to popular comedic interactive theater like "Nunsense – the musical," Small Pond Productions presents the sequel to their hit from last summer "Drinking Habits 2: Caught in the Act." The play, written by Tom Smith, premiered in Ohio on November 13, 2015. The story is based on the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing who won a world prize for the Best Wine, made secretly by Sister Philamena and Sister Augusta. Things have been quiet at the convent until the sisters hear about an orphanage that will be shut down unless funds are raised pronto. What ensues are laugh-a-minute hilarious hijinks for audiences all over the U.S. with productions taking place in Michigan, Georgia, Texas, Wisconsin and New Hampshire. The two Sisters decide to put on a play written by Mother Superior. Poor Paul offers to direct this opus, with Father Chenille taking every opportunity to display his magic tricks that never quite work. Then there is Sally, unbeknownst to Paul, at the convent looking to help even though she left Paul at the altar … again! Co-director Tara Gillard, who also plays Sally, a reporter, told the Keene Sentinel, "Our board sits down and throws pitches to each other about what plays we want to do. We picked "Drinking Habits" for our last season on a whim. We said, 'Well, let's check it out.' We thought it was hilarious—a little off the wall—and it was. It's actually our best-selling show we've ever had!" Gillard of Keene has been acting in Small Pond Productions since she was in high school. When not acting or directing, she works at C&S Wholesale Grocers as a Senior Manager of HR. "We don't have an audition process which is unusual. We have over 300 alumni right now, so we have a huge pool of people that we pull from, which is amazing," Gillard said. "Every year we have new people coming in, just by virtue of meeting people like Traci Booth, who is one of the founders." When asked what's it been like for her to act and direct this play, she said, "We loved it because we know our characters, and we just knew we already had a vision, so it was really fun to bring that to life with these characters that we already know inside and out. So, it was great to make a continuation from last year." This show is Small Pond's 49th production and has cast members aged 30s to 60s all from the Monadnock region. Small Pond Productions was founded in 2006 by Traci Booth and Liz Sumner in Keene over coffee. Their mission is "to create a family in theater and to invite people in." "Our mission is truly to just provide a space for our audience to come and laugh and enjoy themselves. To have fun, feel a sense of community, and to provide a creative space that's safe for people who want to perform," Gillard added. Gillard serves as co-director with Ren Doyle for this production and said that this experience holds a special place for both: "Not only is this our first time directing together, but it also marks a first for one of us stepping into the director's role. Having previously shared the stage as Paul and Sally in Drinking Habits, it has been an absolute joy to return to these characters [together] while also guiding this next chapter of the story." Gillard continues, "Drinking Habits 2 has given us the opportunity to bring our own creative perspective to a show we already love. Reuniting with such a talented and dedicated cast and crew has been incredibly rewarding; and the energy, laughter and collaboration throughout this process has made it truly unforgettable." And, of course, the audience's support has made bringing this show back meaningful: [The audience's] enthusiasm is what brings productions like this to life. We can't wait to share the final result with you and hope you enjoy the show as much as we've enjoyed bringing it to the stage," Gillard said. IF YOU GO: WHAT: "Drinking Habits 2: Caught in the Act," a play by Tom Smith, directed by Ren Doyle and Tara Gillard WHEN: May 1, 2, 8 & 9 at 7:30 p.m. and May 3 & 10 at 2 p.m. (May 3 show is already sold out) WHERE: Community House of Marlborough, 160 Main Street, Route 101, Marlborough. TICKETS: Tickets are $20 General, $15 Seniors/Students. Call 603-242-2314 to reserve tickets. Note: Tickets can only be purchased by cash or check; no credit cards. There will be a concession stand and a 50/50 raffle, too. MORE INFO: www.smallpondpresents.org or follow Small Pond Productions on Facebook