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Lake George Dinner Theatre offers a comfortable night of pleasant theater

Jay DeYonker as Danny Fleming and Molly Bader as Meredith O’Connor in "First Night"
Lake George Dinner Theatre
Jay DeYonker as Danny Fleming and Molly Bader as Meredith O’Connor in "First Night"

Some theater experiences leave you excited. Others just bore you. When you leave the romantic-comedy “First Night” playing at the Lake George Dinner Theatre in the Holiday Inn in Lake George, you should have a feeling of contentment.

It sounds like a bland compliment, but it really is praise. It’s difficult to think of a more satisfying night out. Consider how rare it is to find an enjoyable activity better than a night that consists of watching a pleasant two-person play after a better-than-average dinner offered at a fair price.

That’s what you get at Lake George Dinner Theatre. They don’t try to break new ground with its operation. Instead it concentrates on doing the familiar with high quality.

An example is the production of “First Night.” Written by Jack Neary. It’s a formula work, with a twist that makes it interesting.

It takes place on New Year’s Eve, 1985. Danny is in his mid-thirties working as a clerk in a video store. His compensation for living an empty life is that he has unlimited access to his passion - movies.

A woman walks into the store and he recognizes her as a girl he had a heavy crush on in high school. She was named Meredith O’Connor. Today she identifies herself as Sister Meredith Louise.

For the next two hours, including an intermission, the two reminisce, reveal secrets, make a lot of Catholic jokes and tell stories filled with nostalgia for the 80s. They also discuss the disappointments they endured in their youth. The result is that despite 20 years between meetings it appears they have feelings towards each other.

Director Jarel Davidow does a terrific job keeping the audience constantly guessing if Meredith left the convent and is available for romance. At other times he suggests she might be a spiritual guide like Clarence from “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Has she been sent to the video store to help Danny live up to his potential? It’s great work as Davidow takes an average script and keeps the audience constantly involved with their bantering - wondering where it will lead.

However, he doesn’t do it alone. Meredith, played by Molly Bader, is the ideal vision of the girl next door, who is also a provocative, determined woman. Bader is able to make a basic character into a complex woman.

As good as she is, Jay DeYonker as Danny is the major character in the play. It is his uncertainty about his talents that is the focus of the work. His character is more relatable because he Is given several opportunities to speak directly to the audience, which makes him less of a cipher. He knows his dreams and shortcomings and shares them with us. For the play to work, the audience has to want him to be happy. Actually we want them both to be happy - together if possible.

Technical aspects of the production are solid. At no time do you think you are in a banquet room of a Holiday Inn. The set and lighting make this a truly professional production.

The dinner maintains the same level of quality. I, and the majority of our table of ten, had the Medallions of Beef. It was delicious, tender and flavorful. Companion’s vegetarian pasta was equally as good. The other meals offered are Seared Salmon and Chicken Piccata. Meals served with salad, side vegetables, bread and butter, coffee and tea. The tip is included in the price.

“First Night” runs at the Holiday Inn through October 8. There are four evening productions and three matinees. For schedule and ticket prices call 518-668-5762, ext. 411. Senior and group discounts are available.

Bob Goepfert is theater reviewer for the Troy Record.

The views expressed by commentators are solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the views of this station or its management.

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