Conklin's opens new year with 'Paisley Convertible'

Conklin's Barn II Dinner Theatre kicks off its 2014 season, tabbed the "Season of Premiere Laughter," on Thursday with a seven-week run of "The Paisley Convertible."

The romantic comedy written by Harry Cauley will play to Barn in Goodfield Thursdays through Sundays through March 2.

Starring April Wyant and John Johnson and directed by Mary Simon, "The Paisley Convertible" is actually a sofa bed in the tiny apartment of newlyweds Amy and Charlie.

According to Conklin's, Charlie is an interning physician and Amy sells organic cosmetics door-to-door. Into this idyllic love nest comes trouble in the form of Ralph — Amy's former boyfriend — who drops by for a visit. He brings a wedding gift: Amy's "artistic" sketches of him, made when they lived together.

The none-too-pleased Charlie, in retaliation, invites over his former girlfriend, Sylvia. Things get even more confused when Amy's mother turns up and at first mistakes Ralph for her new son-in-law.

"The misconceptions and tribulations bubble along at a hysterical pace until the final comical resolution," the Conklin's news release said.

Other cast members are Mary Simon as Amy's mother Meg, with Fred Heskett as Ralph and Terri Whisenhunt as Sylvia.

Prices and show times are:

• Thursdays — $33; doors open at 6 p.m., the buffet is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.
• Fridays — $35; doors open at 6 p.m., the buffet is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.
• Saturday — $37; doors open at 6 p.m., the buffet is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.
• Sundays — $35; doors open at noon; brunch buffet is noon to 1 p.m.; show time is 1:30 p.m.

There is a special performance on Friday, Feb. 14 for Valentine's Day. Admission for that performance is $40 per person. No advance payment is required.

Prices include meal, tax and the show.

Conklin's Barn II buffet includes, for evening performances, four main entrees featuring prime rib and fried chicken, several side dishes, with salad, homemade soup and cheese spread, and a choice of four desserts.

The brunch buffet includes breakfast favorites such as scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and ham and freshly baked cinnamon rolls.

For reservations, call (309) 965-2545. For more information, visit the Barn on the internet at www.barn2.com.

About the Author

Paul Gordon is the editor of The Peorian after spending 29 years of indentured servitude at the Peoria Journal Star. He’s an award-winning writer, raconteur and song-and-dance man. He also went to a high school whose team name is the Alices (that’s Vincennes Lincoln High School in Indiana; you can look it up).