Jerry Finnegan’s Sister
“Jerry Finnegan’s Sister” is the “perfect date show,” according to student director Richie Call, a senior majoring in theater performance.
This is the first of several plays to be put on by the Theater Student Association (TSA). The TSA puts on theatrical productions three to four times a year. The productions are directed, produced and performed by students.
A romantic comedy written by Jack Neary, “Jerry Finnegan’s Sister” peers into the life of Brian Dowd, a romantically challenged average guy who has spent most of his life yearning for Beth, his next-door neighbor and sister of his best friend, Jerry Finnegan.
When he learns she is engaged to be married, he is faced with the choice of telling her his true feelings or forever holding his peace.
The show is acted out in a series of flashbacks that depict scenes from Brian and Beth’s childhood, teenage years and early adulthood.
“It is very much like a Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, “Sleepless in Seattle”/”You’ve Got Mail” kind of play,” Call said.
The romantic duo comprises the entire cast with Brian Dowd, played by Mike Gardner, a junior majoring in performance arts, and Beth Finnegan, played by fellow performance arts major Lacey Jackson.
The play was cast at the end of spring semester, but rehearsals began during the first week of school.
Gardner points out that one of the reasons Brian finds himself in this dire situation is his inability to communicate with women. Gardner said that, next to his “stunning co-star,” his ability to understand where Dowd is coming from is his favorite part about being in the play.
“I don’t think I’ve ever played a character that I could relate to better,” Gardner said.
Call suggests coming to see the show to celebrate Valentine’s Day early or just get away and relieve the stresses from school.
A show sure to be enjoyed by all, it is full of laughs and suspense as you wait to see if Brian ends up getting the girl, Call said.
“Jerry Finnegan’s Sister” will run on Tues., Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Wed., Sept. 14 at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. The production is being performed at the Caine Lyric Theatre, located at 28 W. Center, Logan. The play lasts approximately one hour and 45 minutes with a 10-minute intermission. Admission is free, but seating is limited to 300 seats.
-nnaylor@cc.usu.edu