Gas prices being what they are, Greene’s becoming quite the little tourist attraction for this big city Norwich boy. The little village has quite a bit going for it these days, from the quaint little shops to a variety of culinary choices ... but my new favorite small-town gem there has more of a big-city flair.
The Chenango River Theatre. Earlier this summer, I had my first chance to see a show at this new equity-actor venue, just south of the village of Greene. Housed in a newly-renovated former commercial building next to B&G Trucking at 991 State Rt. 12, it’s a unique and intimate theater that’s attracting growing audiences both from the Triple Cities area and a fervent following from Chenango County as well. Count me among them.
On Sunday, I had the opportunity to see The Chenango River Theater’s latest production, “Other People’s Money.” Since the show is nearing the end of its run (it’ll be on stage Thursday and through the weekend), I thought I’d let readers know here just what a great show it is.
Probably most familiar as the 1991 Danny Devito movie, “Other People’s Money” was a successful off-Broadway play in the late 1980s, written by Jerry Sterner. It was a hit with the Wall Street crowd because of its topical subject matter – a small New England company is threatened by a hostile takeover from a New York investor. I remember the movie had a very 80s vibe, as does the plot in some regards, very Gordon Gekko, Wall Street-esque. But given this week’s headlines, the storyline and its themes are far from antiquated. Throw in power, money, sex and doughnuts, and you’ve got yourself a hit.
As the play opens, we meet Bill Coles (Drew Kahl), an up-and-coming, and uptight, executive at New England Wire and Cable. Bill’s been slaving away at the venerable company in the hopes of one day taking it over himself ... through hard work and dedication. That’s what he learned from the family company’s head, “Jorgy” Jorgensen (Binghamton’s own Bill Gorman), who’s managed the plant for a good portion of its 70-some years, through good times and bad. Standing stalwart by Jorgy’s side is his faithful assistant and longtime love, Bea (Judy McMahon).
