ORANGE —
Orange Community Players has a hit in this outrageous, wacky comedy. “Mama Won’t Fly” is escapist comedy at its best. Many theaters report they have experienced a record box office with this play. It is family-friendly and full of belly laughs.
The story line resembles a very hilarious “Odyssey.” With only four days to make it to the wedding in California of her only son, Mama refuses to fly in an airplane from her home in Alabama. Therein lies the problem. Her only daughter has no choice but to agree to a hastily conceived road trip. A further complication is the bubbly bride-to-be who decides to ride with them to become better acquainted with her future in-laws. Many quirky characters are encountered by the three on their chaotic journey.
Mama, Norleen Sprunt, is believably portrayed by Diana Hill, a long time veteran of OCP. She has not graced the stage in some time, but her skills as a director are certainly well known. Hill does a great job as Mama, who is a willful, master manipulator. Welcome back! Bravo!
The daughter, Savannah, is expertly played by Ashley Van Pelt. Van Pelt carries the show on her capable shoulders and delivers a stand out performance. She never steps out of character and delivers her lines with aplomb. Savannah states that, “Money can’t buy happiness but it makes misery easier to live with!” Kudos to Van Pelt!
Portraying the over-eager, accident-prone, soon-to-be bride, Hayley, is Jade Hollier. She does a very good job and exhibits a flair for comedy.
There is a wonderful supporting cast with most actors playing up to three parts. Scene stealers are Deah Daigle and Nolan Thornal. Daigle has great acting chops and disappears into her characters, often being unrecognizable. She’s that good. Thornal always plays his parts with fearless enthusiasm. Congratulations to all!
Codie Vasquez directs and does a masterful job. Her husband, Alaniz, and her son, Rico, help her out by assuming multiple supporting roles.
The play is written by Jones, Hope, and Wooten and they make a special dedication to long-time OCP supporter, Jeff Hattman. “Mama Won’t Fly” can be seen at 7:37 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 16, Thursday, Feb. 21 through Saturday, Feb. 23, and a matinee is featured at 2:37 p.m., Sunday, Feb. Tickets are $12 adults and $5 for students. Call 409-882-9137 or go on-line at www.orangecommunityplayers.com for reservations.
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Related Photos
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The Orange Community Players latest production, “Mama Won’t Fly,” is a family-friendly, laugh-filled event featuring a hilarious cast, including OCP members Ashley Van Pelt, at left, Jade Hollier and Diana Hill. Tickets are $5-$12 each. Photo courtesy TexasBorderlinePhotography.com
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Review: ‘Mama Won’t Fly’ is wacky fun
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