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Almost 11 years ago, John Adams of Kincardine was in his element playing the part of Stanley Gardner in the Kincardine Theatre Guild's production of "Run For Your Wife."

In the Ray Cooney farce, Gardner was the hapless friend of taxi driver John Smith who was leading a double-life, with two wives in two different parts of London, England.

This year, Adams is reprising his role in the guild's production of Cooney's sequel, "Caught in the Net," which adds another stress level to Smith's life when his teenage children - a girl from one family and a son from the other - accidentally meet on the Internet and plan to see each other in person.

"I loved playing Stanley in the first show," says Adams, "and the chance to work with Matt Harvey (playing John Smith) and Elaine Van Rooyen (playing Mary Smith), well, I just jumped at the chance."

He has worked with Van Rooyen in Port Elgin and with Harvey at the annual Medieval Feast in Kincardine, which, Adams hastens to add, is going to be held this year on April 1 at the Davidson Centre.

Adams had such a great time playing opposite Andy Hill (John Smith) in the first show that he was looking forward to the same fun again. However, due to circumstances, Hill was unable to reprise his role.

"I absolutely love Ray Cooney plays," says Adams. "This is the third play I've been in." He also acted in "Move Over Mrs. Markham."

So, what's it like to become Stanley Gardner again?

"It's as if I never left," says Adams. "Stanley has aged the same as I have so it's very convenient. It's the same scenario as the last show. I'm John's best friend so I'm trying to help him out of this situation."

Performing with the theatre guild is terrific, says Adams, but it's a huge commitment of time and energy.

"I couldn't have done this without the benevolence of my wonderful wife and children," he says. His wife, Jody, was in "Run For Your Wife;" they have four children.

Joining Harvey, Van Rooyen and Adams on stage are Linda Pagnotta as Barbara Smith, Aaron Lewis as Gavin Smith, Sid Duggan as Stanley Gardner's dad, and Mercedes Battler as Vicky Smith.

This is Mercedes' first time in a speaking role with the theatre guild.

"I was in the chorus for 'A Christmas Carol'," she says, "and I helped build the set for 'Annie'."

The 14-year-old, Grade 9 student at Kincardine District Secondary School, has some acting experience, participating at a musical theatre camp in Parry Sound and the Bluewater Summer Playhouse drama camp in Kincardine.

"It's a lot of fun but I'm kind of nervous," she says of her role as Vicky. "You always have that fear that you'll forget your lines. It's a real adrenaline rush."

She says Vicky is an interesting character to play. "She has a bit of attitude about her dad not letting her go and see this guy."

Mercedes has a real love for acting which is why she auditioned, and she was very excited to find out she was chosen for the part.

"I've been told I can be dramatic," she says.

The other actors are great to work with, says Mercedes. "They're funny and hilarious, and they're supportive. They've been helping me out, and they're great with each other."

One difficult part for Mercedes is the point when she has to cry. "I'm not one to fake crying, so I end up laughing," she says. "It took awhile to learn how to fake cry."

She would like to become an actor some day and may attend the School for the Arts in Toronto.

"But it's a hard career to break into," she says. "I have to have a back-up plan which is why I like rehearsals but I have to make sure school comes first."

Directing the show is Jim Peddie who performed in "Run For Your Wife." Producer is Sam Hillier, and stage manager is Mary Beth Dennis.

The play runs Feb. 11-12 at 8 p.m., Feb. 13 at 2 p.m., and Feb. 17-19, 24-26, at 8 p.m., at the Kincardine Arts Centre in downtown Kincardine.

Feb. 12 is the gala event, while Feb. 13's matinee is the performance which will be adjudicated by the Western Ontario Drama League.

Tickets are $15 each, with reserved seating; they available at Jerome Flowers and Gifts in downtown Kincardine or by calling 519-396-9000. The gala costs $5 extra.

For more information, log on to www.kincardinetheatreguild.com

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Sunday, January 30, 2011