Gary Weinstein Shines Like a Diamond in Let Nothing You Dismay

Gary Weinstein as the befuddled Milford Gordon
PHOTO by Laurie Smalis

Let Nothing You Dismay is the story of two families that collide – then unite – over the adoption of a baby born on Christmas Day.  Adoptive parents Kevin and Allie plan to have a “cozy couple’s Christmas” while they await the birth of their child, but their plans unravel when the hospital is overrun by their extended families, who just couldn’t stay away.  Family takes on many forms in today’s modern society, and for Gary Weinstein, his Farmington Players “family” has an important place in his life.  As Gary says, “the level of talent and quality of performance that this theater brings to their stage has the feeling of family which is superior to any other. This show in particular has brought out some true thespians that are willing to take on this unknown theatrical work, which requires the highest level of discipline for the different characters that each actor will portray.”

Ten actors play 25 roles in this crazy farce, and the characters and costumes change ever more rapidly as the play progresses.  Like most actors, Gary plays three different roles, which he describes as follows: “Milford is 80 years old, a man in pursuit of his own unspoken tasks.  He’s a crotchety, gruff old man who wants to be left alone to do his own thing. …  Ivan is Bulgarian with a comedic use of the English language.  I play Ivan as a strong ‘bouncer type’ with wide shoulders, arms folded, and mostly with a scowl on my face. … Oscar is married to Linda and the loving father of Allie. He’s Jewish with his own comedic Jewish inflections.”

In addition to acting in this show, Gary’s Weinstein Jewelers is also the proud sponsor of the play.  In his usual fashion, Gary has a special promotion planned for patrons who attend the show.  Each winner of the 50/50 raffle drawing will also receive a $50 gift card to Weinstein Jewelers!  In addition, on closing night, all 10 prior 50/50 winners will be entered into a drawing for an additional gift card worth $1,000.00!!!   With performances scheduled from November 30 – December 15, these gift cards come just in time for holiday shopping.

Gary knows audiences will love this show because it’s “a laugh a minute, yet touches many of life’s daily experiences and challenges as it relates to family. The themes of this show are best described as life’s simplest lessons:  Family unity, life longevity and having children in the modern family.”  When Gary first read this script, “I found myself laughing out loud. As I got into it further into it, I was intrigued and excited for the possibilities and challenges of portraying three distinct characters in the same show.” Gary thanks director Tony Targan and assistant director Michel Noble for their “clear-headed communication and commitment to detail of each character for this production.”

Gary’s most recent roles at the barn have included William Blore in And Then There Were None, Ed Noonan in The Vast Difference, Tony in The Full Monty, Mr. Van Daan in The Diary of Anne Frank, Robert in Boeing Boeing, and Dr. Einstein in Arsenic & Old Lace.

Let Nothing You Dismay has 10 performances at the Farmington Players Barn Theater from November 30 – December 15.  The show is proudly sponsored by Weinstein Jewelers.  Tickets are available online at farmingtonplayers.org or by emailing boxoffice@farmingtonplayers.org or calling the Barn box office at 248-553-2955.