"'The Champagne Charlie Stakes' finds diginity in age" - Peter Filichia, Star Ledger

"'Champagne Charlie' is a bet worth taking" - Bea Smith, Worrall Newspapers




The Champagne Charlie Stakes
a comedy by Bruce Graham

Now playing in the UCPAC Studio Theatre:
Friday, February 5th at 8PM
Saturday, February 6th at 8PM
Friday, February 12th at 8PM
Saturday, February 13th at 8PM

"Any couple, young or old, married or not, would profit from seeing how an
older couple can be delightfully silly about each other,"
says Noreen Farley, who plays Mary Lee in 'The Champagne Charlie Stakes'

"A gentle comedy with its roots in recognizably human behavior...
It's a lovely piece"
- The Philadelphia Inquirer

"The Play has a good bit of pathos along with Graham's
irrepressible comedic touch."
- Press Focus

FROM THE PLAYWRIGHT, BRUCE GRAHAM:
"I can tell you the exact date I got the idea:  Memorial Day, 1990.  I was at Delaware Park where Charlie, who was in his 80's at the time - since deceased - had the sixth race named for him.  I've been to the track quite a few times in my life but never saw it as the scene for a play.  I did that day.  I still have a photo of all of us in the winner's circle, Charlie holding a wreath for the winning horse.  Charlie's daughter was my high school drama coach.  (She's still a good friend.)  And I had known her parents since I was fifteen.  Once I had a story the characters wrote themselves.  I always tell my students that the secret of writing plays is to hang out with really interesting characters in real life."

FROM THE DIRECTOR, MICHAEL J. DRISCOLL:
This play is about family, love, integrity and loyalty...it's the family comedy we no longer see on tv.  The audience will walk away loving Charlie and his family.

ABOUT THE PLAY:
It's a very special day at the racetrack, where "Champagne" Charlie, a track regular, has had a race named in his honor.  While there he decides to place the bet of his life, "the whole she-bang", his entire meager savings--on a long shot hunch.  Will he hit the big one for himself and his family?  Will he finally learn to grow up?  Will something else happen?

PG-13 Parental Guidance Suggested
This production contains material that me be inappropriate for children under 13.

Tickets: $22 regular / $17 Students & Seniors

 
A toast to "Champagne Charlie".
Click here to view the slide show of the opening night toast.

'The Champagne Charlie Stakes' production photos
Click here to view the slide show of production photos by Howard Fisher.

Saturday Night Playgoers Sweepstakes
Click here to enter to win Two Tickets to Three Plays performed by Alliance Repertory Theatre Company at the Union County Performing Arts Center Studio Theatre.



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LOOKING BACK

Click on an image below to view a slide show.
      
Michael Amante on 12/04/2009
Simple Gifts on 12/06/2009
Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea on 12/12/2009