Self-Help by Dummiez promises 'quirky' fun

Self-Help by Dummiez is a zany, off-the-wall comedy written by Todd McGinnis and T Gregory Argall, two of Canada’s premiere playwrights.

The action takes place in a small psychiatrist office where a growing number of patients who are left in the waiting room are asked to be patient because of Dr. Endbridge’s increasing tardiness. Soon, they begin to interact with each other — to hilarious results.

The characters are quirky and sure to get you laughing. They are comprised of Michael, a self-help guru with anger-management issues; Matt, a compulsive apologist; Chastity, a nymphomaniacal virgin; Jerry, a rage-aholic; Mrs. Winters, an acid tongue receptionist; Mrs. Quackenbush, who is completely nuts; and Dr. Enbridge, a self-absorbed psychologist.

This comedy will get your sides splitting from the get-go thanks, in part, to Marc Larivière, who makes his directorial debut.

“I had a blast when I first read the play,” he said. “I knew I wanted something quirky that would be tons of fun to put on its feet, and it was. I just can’t wait to share it with Sudbury audiences”.

Mélanie Rainville, a veteran of French community theatre who plays Chastity in the production, is delighted to expand horizons in her first English-speaking role.

“I am grateful to have the chance to be able to do theatre in both French and English and I am thrilled to play such an eccentric character,” she said.

For those who have not been to Theatre Cambrian’s dinner theatre productions in the past, the plot is simple. Doors open at 6 p.m., giving the audience time to mix, mingle, have a cocktail and share a few laughs. At 6:30 p.m., a buffet dinner is served, with catering provided for Self Help by Dummiez by On The Rockz.

After some good food, great wine, deserts galore and wonderful company, the magic hour of 8 p.m. comes around and it is show time. There is no need to uproot and change venues, you simply turn your chair to face the stage and voila … a feast of live theatre.

During intermission, the fun continues as audiences have 20 minutes to refresh their drinks, freshen up and mix and mingle with everyone again, before Act II begins.

“The idea of our dinner theatre series is a way to offer a relaxed atmosphere where everyone is welcome to experience live theatre at its finest,” said Mark Mannisto, executive director of Theatre Cambrian. “The point of the evening is not to get all dressed up and go out to impress. The point is to go out and have fun! For some that means a suit and tie, for others its slacks and shirt. The important thing is to bring your smiles, bring your laughs and relax.”

Self-Help by Dummiez runs from Nov. 16 til Nov. 24 at Theatre Cambrian. Tickets are $50, which includes the catered buffet by On The Rockz.

Tickets must be reserved in advanced by calling Theatre Cambrian at 705-524-7317 ext. 0 or visiting Theatre Cambrian’s box office (Monday-Friday from noon until 5 p.m.) at 40 Eyre St. in Sudbury’s West End.