‘Rose’s Dilemma’ at Le Petit

Audiences typically go to the Le Petit Theatre de Terrebonne to see light-hearted comedies or “fun-for-the-whole-family” types of shows, but come Nov. 9, things will be a little bit different.

The Le Petit Theatre will be shedding its comedic skin this season, daring to bring a whole new genre to their stage.

Beginning Nov. 9, Le Petit Theatre is presenting “Rose’s Dilemma,” a play by Neil Simon.

The story focuses around the character Rose Steiner as she tries to overcome financial hardships. Rose is visited by her departed love, Walsh MacLaren, a renowned author who has been dead for over five years. Walsh is there to help Rose get through her financial difficulty; he quickly reveals to Rose that he has left behind the remedy to her financial pains.

Simon’s 33rd play debuted in January 2003. Originally titled “Rose and Walsh,” Playbill’s synopsis described the show this way: “Rose and Walsh follows two great literary figures and the depth and consequence of their enduring love. At a beautiful beach house on the tip of Long Island, Rose, a celebrated penniless author, receives nightly visits from Walsh, the love of her life and a famous writer himself. Now Walsh must go away forever, but not before securing Rose’s financial future with an extraordinary proposal that promises to change everything.”

Sue Peace, director and theatre board member, defines the play as a “wonderful poignant love story,” a play that shows how sometimes love can extend even from beyond the grave.

Because Rose is the only character in “Rose’s Dilemma” who can see or hear McLaren, the play is peppered with bits of awkward and comedic moments throughout the two acts, Peace explained.

Stephanie Kenney Gomez and husband Glen Gomez play the parts of Rose Steiner and Walsh McLaren.

“I am very excited that the husband and wife team will be acting together for the first on stage,” Peace said. The couple met at Le Petit many years back and have been married to each other for the past 15 years.

“It’s really neat to see the two on stage together and watch them play off of each other,” Peace said. “They are just perfect for the parts.”

Angie Boudreaux is making her first appearance on Le Petit’s stage as Arlen Moss, Rose’s assistant.

Veteran actor Delvin Foret, portraying the character Gavin Clancy, accompanies the trio on stage.

Peace has never directed a drama before and said, “It has been a challenge for everyone. I have directed all of the actors before, except for Angie, but only in major comedies.”

The director, however, promises this will be an amazing production. “It’s spellbinding,” she said. “Those who come out are going to see some of the best theatre they have seen in a while. It is just great acting.”

Rose’s Dilemma runs Nov. 9 through Nov. 19 with the exception of Monday, Nov. 13. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. each night and Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m. Tickets prices are $10 and can be purchased by calling the box office at (985) 876-4278.