​THE WAKE UP CALL
A New Comedy by Nate Harwood
SEPTEMBER 11-27
Michael wakes up from a coma with no memory of the last ten years—including his fiancée, who’s now launching a full-blown romantic rescue mission. Meanwhile, his mother’s plotting a hostile takeover to make sure that marriage never happens. And Michael’s just desperately trying to remember if he ever had a normal life. Spoiler: He didn’t. It’s a hilarious, messy, all-out family feud showdown for Michael’s lost decade. The Wake Up Call- memories not included.

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(OUR 1ST REVIEW!)

A “Standing O” Start at Footlights Theatre!

A Review by Christina Koomen

If last evening’s performance of The Wake Up Call is any indication, the new season at Footlights Theatre (Falmouth, ME) is off to an amazing start.
My 30 second synopsis: Michael wakes up from a coma with no memory of the last ten years—including his fiancée, who’s launching a full-blown rescue mission. Meanwhile, his mother’s plotting a hostile takeover to make sure the marriage never happens. It’s a messy, funny, surprising, family feud for Michael’s lost decade and his heart.
Laura Graham played the mother from hell with such believability, I actually wanted to boo her at the curtain call. Her timing was impeccable. Her tone was devilishly understated. Graham oozed what every son and daughter fears from an in-law. Her final moment of the play was played without saying a word and left the audience gasping.
Sam Lipman, who played the son who woke up from a coma, brought a magnetic energy to the play that never let go of the audience. Lipman is incredibly likable and beautifully played the colorful and confused innocence of his character. The depth of his emotions was truthful and heartfelt. A new face on the Footlights stage, I look forward to seeing more of him.
The role of the fiancé was a very challenging role and could make or break this show. Thankfully, in the hands of the talented performer cast, it was an equal match to the amazing performances of Graham and Lipman. They are an ensemble of the best kind. (**the theater has asked me not mention this person’s name, which would give away an important plot element.)
New Jersey Playwright, Nate Harwood, has written a very well crafted play. All the emotions are there, including laughter. Never once did I sense the audience not fully committed to what was happening on stage, they loved it. In fact, one woman sitting next to me said, “I didn’t want it to end.”
Footlights Theatre Executive Artistic Director, Michael J. Tobin, directed this play with an eye for simplicity, an ear for believability, and he truly understood that “less is more” with this production. Tobin kept the dialogue as the focal point of the audience’s attention, perfectly performed by the cast.
The suggested hospital room set worked well without being distracting. The sound was appropriate for every scene change, embracing the audience from one final scene moment to the start of another. Simple lighting. Simple but effective costuming, especially for Graham.
The story is relatable, the performers are professional, and the show is very worthy of your time (90 minutes, no intermission) and entertainment dollars. It was a small audience last night, let's help them fill the seats and go see this play! Plenty of free parking outside the theater door, and the cost is a very affordable $25 ticket price.
The Wake Up Call plays through September 27th with performances on Thursdays at 7:00pm, Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 2:00pm & 7:30pm. The Footlights Theatre is located at 190 US Route 1, Falmouth, ME. Box Office (207) 747-5434. Walk-ins welcome. thefootlightstheatre.com