Barn to present 'Cash on Delivery'

By Shelley Koppel

Entertainment writer

STUART - Growing up, playwright Michael Cooney's life was a farce. His father, Ray Cooney, is one of the most prolific writers of British farce. The younger Mr. Cooney, author of "Jack Frost 2: Revenge of the Killer Mutant Snowman," has turned to the family business with "Cash on Delivery."

The Barn Theatre in Stuart will present it from Sept. 18-Oct. 4 and director Doug Penovi spoke recently about the younger Cooney's comic flair.

"It's hard to believe, but I think Michael's even wackier and even more crazy," Mr. Penovi said. "I did his father's shows and this is a little more frantic, if that's possible. It's even more entertaining. There are so many things happening. It's organized chaos."

The play revolves around Eric Swann, who, with the assistance of his uncle, George, has walked off with thousands of pounds of fraudulent benefits from Her Majesty's government. He draws in his unsuspecting wife, lodger and everyone else in his orbit to keep from getting caught.

Michael Feener has the role of Eric and Mr. Penovi is excited about his star.

"He's wonderful and very gifted," the director said. "He has good instincts and a good sense of farce. He's adding creativity to the role."

Wendell Smartt plays Uncle George and Mr. Penovi noted that while he'd never worked with the actor, the performer was a pleasant comedic surprise.

Danica McLean has the role of Linda Swann, the hapless wife who doesn't know what her husband is doing. She thinks he's a cross-dresser because she finds wigs and compression stockings from the government.

The tenant, Norman, is played by Jake Denny.

"He's a young man with a flair for character acting," Mr. Penovi said. "It's a gift. It's wonderful to work with him."

Rounding out the cast are Mark Brinkerhoff, Megan Pollak, Callie Taylor Maas, Chad Granese, Lara Pollak and Shannon Gilray.

The assistant director is Pam Penovi, Doug Penovi's wife. They met at the Barn nine years ago.

"She's a nurse and I'm in television production," he said. "We did a couple of plays together. It took awhile to blossom. We've been married just over three years."

In a farce, timing is everything, and Mr. Penovi said the audience will have a good time.

"It's a great cast and there are some surprises the audience won't believe," he said. "The challenge is getting the movements down and making things happen. It's so outlandish and so fun. They'll have a great time."

There will be a special invitation-only free performance on Sept. 17 to honor Volunteers in Medicine and hospice volunteers for the work they do to help the community.

"This is our way of showing appreciation and thanks," said Francine Beckstead, producer of the show.

Michael Cooney's farce, "Cash on Delivery," will be presented by the Barn Theatre, 2400 East Ocean Blvd., Stuart, from Sept. 18-Oct. 4. Performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 with $10 student tickets on Wednesday. Call the box office at (772) 287-4884.