Theater Works pairs shows for summer of entertainment

Mitchell Vantrease

Instead of the usual summer stock production, Theater Works will offer two shows to tide audiences over until the new season.

The comedy "Park Your Car in Harvard Yard" and musical "What About Luv?" comprise the launch of the first Summer Theater in Rep at Theater Works, which opens July 10. Both shows will be performed on the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts stage.

Patrons can see one show on Thursday, another on Friday or both shows on the weekend.

"You could literally come to a matinee here, then leave for dinner and come back to a completely new performance," said Robyn Allen, Theater Works artistic director.

Even though they're different productions, they complement one another, Allen said.

"Park Your Car in Harvard Yard" revolves around an elderly man in the final year of his life, as he hires a younger housekeeper to help him. Their personalities clash and sparks begin to fly in the two-person play written by Israel Horitz.

"What About Luv?" is a romantic musical comedy set in New York that has a love triangle - and all of the plot twists that come with it.

"Both of them are fun and offer some wonderful moments that make a great package," Allen said.

Summer Theater in Rep also involves the return of Allen, a professional actress, to the stage. Before she earned her equity card, she performed often at Theater Works under founder David Wo in "the barn" at 67th Avenue and Thunderbird Road.

When she became artistic director, Allen didn't have much time to act because of her obligations and responsibilities at theater.

But a window of opportunity was available this summer.

"I've always been asked when I would go back on stage again at Theater Works, but there has been so much to do as a brand new artistic director that it's been almost impossible, but I have some time now," she said.

In addition, Allen directs "What About Luv?" which stars professional local actors Athena Hunting, Roy Hunt and Beau Heckman.

"It's been a real busy summer for sure," she said with a laugh.

"What About Luv?" and "Park Your Car in Harvard Yard" also will allow Theater Works technical director Mark Austin to design two sets that can be transformed in 30 minutes for an evening performance of the other show.

"This is something that we've never done before, but we think everyone will be pleased with the whole outcome of it," Allen said.

 Mitchell Vantrease may be reached at 623-876-2526 or by e-mail at mvantrease@yourwestvalley.com.

If you go

WHAT: Summer Theater in Rep presents "Park Your Car in Harvard Yard" and "What About Luv?"

WHERE: Theater Works, 8355 W. Peoria Ave., Peoria.

WHEN: July 10-27. "Park Your Car in Harvard Yard" opens at 7:30 p.m. July 10, and "What About Luv?" opens at 7:30 p.m. July 11.

TICKETS: $25, one show; $35 for both shows.

INFO: Call 623-815-1791 or visit www.theaterworks.org.