The Long Weekend Returns to Vallarta at Act II Stages Gary R. Beck - Beck's Best
March 10, 2016

Edoardo Rocha brought this play, Norm Foster's comedy "The Long Weekend" to the old Boutique Theatre three years ago and has revived it this season for Act II Stages under the auspices of Nu Name Productions. Three out of the four original cast members were secured with the fourth now an established woman from New York.

The cast is:
Abby...Eileen Matthews, a twelve-time Emmy Award winner for producing and acting. She was in Edoardo's and Michael Gibney's Nu Name Productions of "Respect" and has now returned to grace our stage once again. In addition, she will appear in the extension of "Respect' [Mar. 10, 17, 24, 31 at 7 PM].
Roger...Michael Gibney, who starred locally in "The Long Weekend", "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and "Oleanna". He serves as Executive Producer for this play and is director of "Respect".
Wynn...Patrice White also performed earlier in "The Long Weekend", "Respect" recently and will be in the extension with Eileen. She was in the cast of "Mass Appeal".
Max...Ross Shapiro returns to "The Long Weekend" after being in many productions in Phoenix, Arizona.

Eduardo Rocha is a well-known fashion designer and for "The Long Weekend" is the director, set and costume designer, sharing his life with partner Michael Gibney. They are co-founders of Nu Name Productions.

The storyline of the play is two couples who have been longtime friends although with personality problems. Bickering, jabbing and conniving play roles in the plot. Four talented actors and an unpredictable story/script. All of them are excellent, experienced and professional actors. Conversations are real, natural and believable. How the play progresses is very surprising and should be seen to follow the twists and surprise turns. No spoiler alert here.

The sets are well constructed and designed. Costumes are appropriate for the era and characteristic of each cast member. Nothing appears fake or contrived. It is pleasurable to watch and listen to actors who know their craft.

Both the sound and lighting are superb with no sudden lapses or errors. Attention to detail is apparent in the fine staging throughout the evening. No doubt this is a very smooth production greatly appreciated by the audience. "This is the longest weekend of my life" lamented one character about having to spend time with another couple not liked or respected.

The Long Weekend will be presented on the Main Stage of Act II Entertainment at 7:00 on March 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26.

Act II Entertainment Stages complex is located at Insurgentes 300 (corner of Basilio Badillo & Insurgentes), 2nd Floor, Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Telephone is (322) 222-1512. Tickets can be purchased at the Stage II Box office opened daily at 11:00 am with a 2nd Box office location across the street from Garbos on Pulpito street in the Romantic Zone. You may also purchase tickets at Act II Entertainment online.