The Actors' NET of Bucks County launches its 16th season Sept. 16 -Oct. 2 with an exciting World Premiere drama by Trenton playwright Mark Violi.
Violi's play, Riding the Comet, is a tense World War II tale about two American GIs being
helped by a French farm family to elude capture by the Nazis. The Farmer is one of thousands of
resistance fighters who helped Allied soldiers escape through enemy lines. Suspense mounts in
the play as the Nazi dragnet tightens.
Kyla Mostello Donnelly of Levittown directs a cast led by Ed Patton of Fairless Hills and
Kathryn A. Skelly of Hamilton, NJ as The Farmer and his eldest daughter. Ten-year-old Anna
Chandless of Morrisville makes her stage debut as the youngest daughter. Brian Jason Kelly
of Doylestown and Patrick Albanesius of Bridgewater, NJ costar as the American GIs.
John Helmke of Hamilton, NJ and William H. Schnakenberg IV round out the cast as the Nazi pursuers.
"Riding the Comet is the perfect play to open our 16th season," NET Artistic Director
Cheryl Doyle explained. "It spotlights the heroics of countless unsung heroes who helped make
the Allied victory possible. At the same time, it explores the themes of patriotism and sacrifice,
as the Frenchman and his daughters wrestle with how much they may lose in assisting the
Americans.
"We're also elated to be presenting another new work by Mark Violi," she continued.
"We staged the world premiere of his drama, Roebling: The Story of the Brooklyn Bridge, two
seasons ago and its successful run proved to kick-start that season for us. Naturally, we're
hoping for the same this time around."
Riding the Comet performs weekends Sept. 16 - Oct. 2 at The Heritage Center, 635 N.
Delmorr Avenue (Route 32), Morrisville - near the Calhoun Street Bridge. Showtimes are
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for
seniors (62+) and $10 for children 12 and under. Due to mature themes and a violent ending,
parental discretion is advised.
"A special discount for all active duty service personnel and veterans will also be in
effect during the run of Riding the Comet," Ms. Doyle said. "Active duty personnel and
veterans under the age of 62 will be admitted for $15. Veterans 62 and over pay only $10. We
wish we could let our American heroes in free of charge to honor their service, but we have rent
and other bills to pay. We hope this special discount will enable all interested to see this most
special production."
To reserve, call the nonprofit theatre company at 215-295-3694 or email
actorsnet@aol.com. The NET website is www.actorsnetbucks.org. Tickets may be purchased
on-line at www.brownpapertickets.com.
