"The Final Scene" Well Worth a Peek

This world-premier comedy by Sonoma County playwright Gene Abravaya gives a glimpse of what goes on behind the television cameras when a soap opera episode goes awry.  Ratings are down so the network executives are "writing out" the leading lady, and this diva doesn't like it one bit.  The humor is madcap, the audience laughs out loud, and it's a challenge for the actors to keep from stepping on the next funny line.  Abravaya's years of working on the set of the long-running soap opera "As The World Turns" brings a spark of recognition to the roles he created for the cast, crew, and studio execs.  Along with the humor, he's brought in the pressure and frustrations that bubble up behind the scenes.  The characters have their own scripts they play out, from aggressive to embarrassed to clueless.  This ensemble cast works well together; they obviously enjoy their quirky roles.

"The Final Scene" opens as filming begins on a living room stage set.  There are lights, cameras, and plenty of action spilling out into the audience, adding to the fun.  This show-within-a-show features the considerable talents of Peter Downey, Julia Hoff, Kendall Carroll, Matthew T. Witthaus, Tice Allison, Freddie Lambert, Jennifer Weil, Paul Huberty, Rebekah Patti, and Eric Thompson in a dual role with Jacquelyn Wells as lead understudy.  Tim Kniffin directs this delightful show playing Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees, with an additional evening on Thursday, March 24th.  The show runs through March 27th at the 6th Street Playhouse's comfortable G.K. Hardt Theater.  Tickets are $15 to $32 at (707) 523-4185 or at www.6thstreetplayhouse.com.