Getting Out

In playwright Susan Sandler's charming comedy "Crossing Delancey," Isabelle Grossman seems to be living the dream.

She has a rent-controlled apartment in New York City's Upper West Side, a job at a prestigious independent bookstore, lots of friends and a handsome local author to dream about. However, none of this matters to Bubbie, a strong-minded traditional Jewish grandmother who worries that her granddaughter is living alone. Unbeknownst to Isabelle, Bubbie hires a marriage broker, who introduces her to the pleasant and unassuming Sam, who runs a pickle stand on the Lower East Side. Will Bubbie be able to maneuver them together?

The Harstine Island Theatre Club stages "Crossing Delancey" at 7:30 p.m. April 5 and 13, and 2 p.m. April 6, 7 and 14 at the Harstine Island Community Hall, 3371 E. Harstine Island Road N.

Tickets are $10 and are available at Olympic Bakery on Pickering Road, Williams Flowers in downtown Shelton and at the door starting 45 minutes before the show.

To get to the hall, take a left off the Harstine Island bridge and drive about 3 miles.

Directing the play is Barb Hubbard, who became familiar with the play when she worked on costuming a production at the Albany Civic Theater in Oregon.

"It was in my back pocket and I thought it would fit the aesthetic of Harstine Island," she said.

"I'm a bit of a romantic, so I like the dynamics between Izzy and Sam that develops over time," she said. She quoted a line from the play "Steel Magnolias": "Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion."

"Crossing Delancey" was released as a movie in 1988 starring Amy Irving, Reizi Bozyk, Peter Reigert and Sylvia Miles.

Amy Byykonnen, a Harstine Island Theatre Club veteran, plays Isabelle. Playing Sam is a newcomer to the group, Ted Schroeder. Group veteran Monty Cobb plays Tyler, the author who also has his eyes on Isabelle.

Playing Bubbie is Sheryl Fellman, whose credits with the group include "The Odd Couple," "Savannah Sipping Society" and "The Velveteen Rabbit." Playing Hannah the matchmaker is Sheryl Hughey, also a veteran of the group.

Anne Strathairn is the assistant director, Jeannine Sturtevant is a consultant, Greg Fellman runs the lights, Steve Andrews runs the sound, and DeeAnn Meacham and Liz Brunner are in charge of the props.

Hubbard said the group is always looking for new members. The group conducts business meetings at 7 p.m. on the last Monday of each month at the hall.

The group hosts auditions for the play "You Have the Right to Remain Dead" at 2 p.m. April 21 and 6 p.m. April 23 at the hall. Roles are available for 10 men and women, ages 18 to 60-plus.

IF YOU GO

WHO: Harstine Island Theatre Club

WHAT:Play "Crossing Delancey"

WHEN: April 5-7 and 13-14

WHERE: Harstine Island Community Hall, 3371 E. Harstine Island Road N.

ADMISSION: $10