Pungo Living: Way Off Broadway to perform “Sensuous Senator”

Published 5:42 pm Wednesday, November 11, 2015

BELHAVEN — It may be getting a little risqué in Belhaven next week, thanks to the theatrical group Way Off Broadway Players.

The group of homegrown, local talent will be performing Michael Parker’s “The Sensuous Senator” on Nov. 19, 20 and 21 at the theater on Pamlico Street.

GEORGE WAHAB SENSUOUS: Pictured are actors (from left) Vicki Armstrong, Zach Stevens, Dean Armstrong and Macy Morgan as they rehearse a scene from “The Sensuous Senator.”

GEORGE WAHAB
SENSUOUS: Pictured are actors (from left) Vicki Armstrong, Zach Stevens, Dean Armstrong and Macy Morgan as they rehearse a scene from “The Sensuous Senator.”

The play focuses on Sen. Harry Douglas, a philandering politician who also happens to be running for president on a morality platform. But Douglas makes the mistake of calling his girlfriend, and when she doesn’t answer, calls an escort Fiona, all while his wife is supposed to be in Chicago, according to a press release. The trouble begins, as all three happen to arrive at the same time.

The comedic play is a tale of “mistaken identity and mayhem,” the release states.

Director George Wahab said the group has been rehearsing twice a week since Labor Day for this play. He said they have performed three plays a year over the last 15 years, although the group has been around for more than 30 years.

“We started doing plays in 1982,” Wahab said. “Audiences love (Michael Parker’s) plays. They’re always a little risqué.”

“We haven’t done one of these plays in a long time.”

According to the release, the participants include: Dean Armstrong, Mary Wahab, Zach Stevens, Mike Gibbs, Vicki Armstrong, Mara Coltrain, Macy Morgan, Jewel Cook, Fran Coleman, Will Respess and George Wahab.

Wahab said it is a lot of work to be a part of the Way Off Broadway Players, as many of the actors have full-time jobs and have to make time for rehearsals at night.

“It can be very stressful,” Wahab said.

He said this play will also have one performer from Pungo Christian Academy and two from Northside High School.

He said there is a lot of talent in Belhaven, and he thinks it’s positive for that talent to be shown to the public.

The Way Off Broadway Players will perform “The Sensuous Senator” on Nov. 19, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. each night at 487 Pamlico St. in Belhaven. Admission is $10. To make reservations, call 252-943­3796.