Greytown Little Theatre Presents – ‘Same Time Next Year’

– written by Bernard Slade
New Jersey accountant George (played by Martinborough local Colton Stuart) and Oakland housewife Doris (played by Yvonne Way) meet at a Northern California inn in February 1951. They have a one night stand and agree to meet once a year, despite the fact both are married to others and have six children between them.
Over the course of the next 24 years, they develop an emotional intimacy deeper than what you would expect to find between two people meeting for a clandestine relationship just once a year.
During the time they spend with each other, they discuss the births, deaths, and marital problems each is experiencing at home, while they adapt themselves to the social changes affecting their lives.
George – played by Colton Stuart and Doris – played by Yvonne Way, have put in the hard yards to ensure that this award winning play is given the justice it deserves.

Both have had American accent coaching by well-known Masterton actor Danny Clennot, vocal training by Greytown musicians Zak and Holly Winterwood, and Stuart has also had piano lessons from Martinborough musician Vicky Jones – for the two pieces of piano music that George plays to Doris during the play.
Director John Gilberthorpe, says because the play spans from 1951 to 1975, it has been crucial to make sure that the costumes, set, and audio visual components of the production reflect the different years.
“The cast and crew have put in an enormous amount of time researching every aspect of this period of time to make sure the authenticity of the play is 100% accurate.”
It’s fascinating to watch these two characters evolve over time, sometimes at very different stages, experiencing their confusion when they are clearly out of sync with each other but still want to hold on tight, once a year, and not let go of each other.”
“It’s a beautiful play, very funny and at times heart breaking. It makes you realise that love and where you find it, is not always conventional and sometimes the greatest romances are the most unexpected.”
A 1978 film adaptation directed by Robert Mulligan starred Ellen Burstyn and Alan Alda.
24 November – 3 December at 8pm. Matinee 27 November at 2pm