An invite to ‘A Nice Family Gathering’

The Whittier Community Theater presents "A Nice Family Gathering," just in time for the holidays.

"A Nice Family Gathering," is a play written by Phil Olson based on a typical dysfunctional family gathering for the annual Thanksgiving dinner.  No holiday dinner is complete without the drama that is always involved.

Carl an aspiring and struggling writer heads back home to visit his family which consists of the successful older brother, the little sister who's always left out and the mom who is as nutty as they come. 

This Thanksgiving is the first that the family will have  without their dad… Or so is thought.

Throughout the family gathering Carl is visited by his dad's ghost asking him for a favor that needs to be carried out before the evening is over. 

Carl is faced with issues that he grew up with and feels that his father was never supportive of him and finds it difficult to overlook them to do what his father asks.

The cast consisted of Carl the middle son, played by Justin P. Murphy, Mom is played by Andrea Townsend, Dad is played by Jerry Marble, Michael the oldest son is played by John Warner, Jill Michael's wife is played by Laura MacDowell, Stacy the youngest sister is played by Meghan Duran, Jerry the family friend is played by Greg Stokes, and the voice of Mrs. Enquist is provided by Maura Plaz.

I instantly related to Murphy's character Carl, being that I also am an aspiring writer and have been misunderstood throughout my life. Murphy was very convincing at portraying the middle child of a family who is wise beyond years but is never given any credit.  I enjoyed when Murphy and Marble would have arguments because the subject matter seemed all too familiar.

Marble was everything that a father with a mission could be. His passion for acting always shows in his performances.

I was emotionally involved with his character and wanted him to succeed in getting his favor carried out. A very emotional moment is shared between him and Townsend that is sure to fill everyone with love and sadness.

Townsend was the nutty mom who lost the love of her life and is having trouble coping with it.

Through out the performance Townsend has random one-liners that leave you laughing and sympathetic. It was clear that she put all of her heart and passion into the emotional moment shared with Marble.

Warner's assertive fortunate and successful character is very haughty and a bit of a bully to his younger siblings. MacDowell's character is high strung and emotional adding to the many personalities at dinner. Warner and MacDowell's relationship was quirky and filled with your every day communication and financial issues.

Not to be left out or forgotten, Duran portrays the left out youngest sibling very well. Every now and then  Duran's character gets a few words across up until her big scene. In the scene Stacy shares who she really is and what her real feelings are.

Stokes played Jerry, the long time family friend who is put into the mix as Mom's date. Stokes' comedic timing was a great addition to the gathering and made it awkward for Dad's ghost.

Directed by Karen Jacobson, the play moves fast and true as most comedies should. The cast was filled with emotion enthusiasm and a love for acting, which ensured a grade A performance.

The Whittier Community Theater will be presenting the play Nov. 18 and 19 at 8 p.m.  Located at 7630 Washington Ave. Whittier, CA.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for senior citizens, children and students 18 and under.