The Richland Players’ ‘Same Time, Next Year’ opens Sept. 11

When Michael Wutzke thinks about Same Time, Next Year, the word that comes to mind is “entanglement.”

The play is a romantic comedy, but the story itself isn’t exactly traditional. George and Doris are married to other people and reunite briefly every year.

Their emotional connection grows deep as they discuss their lives and loves back home.

“It’s really about relationships — how people find themselves thrown together with somebody and why people tend to come back year after year to those relationships,” said Wutzke, who is directing The Richland Players’ production with Will Thurston. It opens Sept. 11.

Wutzke promises plenty of laughs, but also some moving moments and some moments that will make audience members think.

Same Time, Next Year debuted on Broadway in 1975, starring Ellen Burstyn and Charles Grodin.

It was penned by Bernard Slade and earned multiple Tony Award nominations. Burstyn won for best actress in a play.

The play also became a film of the same name, starring Burstyn and Alan Alda.

Same Time, Next Year features only George and Doris on stage.

In the Players’ production, Michael Thomas and Cyndi Kimmel take on the roles.

Wutzke said they’re strong, hard working actors who bring skill and talent to the parts.

“It’s going to be a great kick off to our season,” he said of the production. “People who want to come see a romantic comedy — they’re going to get what they expect. There are also a couple of scenes that are going to lead them in a different direction. It’s going to be funny, it’s going to be sad; it’s going to be challenging.

“Hopefully people can look at this show and see bits and pieces of their own lives, how they’ve dealt with relationships,” Wutzke said.

The rest of the Players’ season will carry the theme of exploring different kinds of relationships.

After Same Time, Next Year, next up is Ordinary People, opening Nov. 6.

Dial “M” for Murder opens Jan. 8, followed by 100 Lunches opening March 11 and Frost/Nixon opening May 13.

Performances of Same Time, Next Year are at 8 p.m. Sept. 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26, and 2 p.m. Sept. 20 and 27.

Tickets are $15 for regular admission and $12 for students, seniors and military. They’re available at the box office starting Sept. 9 and by calling 509-943-1991, or going to www.richlandplayers.org.

This story was originally published September 2, 2015 at 3:02 PM with the headline "The Richland Players’ ‘Same Time, Next Year’ opens Sept. 11."