The Sum of Us
The dramatic comedy by David Stevens
 
"Not your average father and son story"

Charles Deitz and David J. Cruse square off as father and son in The Sum of Us

RUN: July 11 - August 10, 2003

SYNOPSIS: Center Players’ presents its second Signature Series presentation for 2003, David Stevens' The Sum of Us. This award-winning play tells the story of widower Harry Mitchell and his son Jeff. Not only do the two live together, but Harry is Jeff's determined matchmaker. Combine old-fashioned story telling with a surprise twist and a shocking conclusion, and The Sum of Us adds up to be an engaging theatrical experience filled with laughter and emotion.
 
The show is directed by David Sorin, a founding member and President of Center Players. The cast features David J. Cruse as Jeff Mitchell, Charles Deitz as Harry Mitchell, Karen Root as Joyce and David Bilon as Greg. The Sum of Us is recommended for mature audiences due to language and sexuality.

CAST (in order of appearance):

	David J. Cruse as "Jeff Mitchell" David returns to the Center Playhouse stage, having portrayed "Ray Dooley" in The Beauty Queen of Leenane this past April. He has worked professionally in theatres throughout 18 states and has been seen Off-Broadway as "Edmund Tyrone" in A Tribute To Eugene O'Neill. Favorite NJ credits include: "Jigger Craigin"-Carousel, "Don Baker"-Butterflies Are Free, "Paul Bratter"-Barefoot in the Park, "Billy Bibbit"-One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest, "Malcolm"-Macbeth, "Pompey"-Measure For Measure, "Abel"-Children of Eden, "Rev. Hale"-The Crucible, "Ernst Ludwig"-Cabaret, and "Paul Gallagher"-Beautiful City. He thanks David Sorin and everyone at Center Players for affording him the opportunity to be creative. Much love to everyone who matters, most of all his parents. "Dad...it's just acting, I promise!" Crazy.
	Charles Deitz as "Harry Mitchell" Charlie, the father of four, has a business in Wall Twp. His hobbies include working as a volunteer firefighter/EMT in Tinton Falls and writing a weekly book review column for the Atlantic Highlands Herald. He first appeared at Center Players in September of 2001 when he played the role of “Milt” in Laughter on the 23rd Floor. Charlie has appeared in the classics,(Romeo and Juliet, Midsummer Nights Dream) drama (Night of the Iguana, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Of Mice and Men, Raft of the Medusa), comedy, (The Odd Couple, God's Favorite), and even a musical (I Do I Do). His resume includes radio DJ, voiceovers, and some dot.com commercials. He is a member of the New Jersey Repertory Company.
	Karen Root as "Joyce" Rebecca is thrilled to be back at Center Players working with so many old friends. She made her Center Players debut in last year's Laughter on the 23rd Floor. Since then, she has appeared here in Any Friend of Percy D'Angelo as well as several cruise night readings. She was seen this summer as "Hermia" in Holmdel Theater Company's production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Other recent credits include Steel Magnolias ("Shelby"), The Man Who Came to Dinner ("Maggie"), Private Lives ("Sybil"), Mousetrap ("Miss Casewell"), and Murder is a Game ("BB Mink"). She has studied acting in New York City at HB Studio. Much love and thanks to an incredible cast and crew. Special thanks to Ken, David V, and to my painted maypole!
	David Bilon as "Greg" David is very excited to be appearing on the Center Players stage. A native to New Jersey, David studied acting at Brookdale College where he is a recent graduate. In his spare time David enjoys photography. He feels very privileged to be sharing the stage with this group of talented people. He would like to thank everyone at Center Players for helping foster his acting abilities, as well as Geoff Shields for convincing him to pursue acting further. Center Players is delighted to welcome David to the Center Playhouse for his debut performance.
BEHIND THE SCENES:
	David Sorin, Director David Sorin is a founder and President of Center Players. He has run his own company, Sorin Productions for the past twenty years. David has produced and directed numerous stage productions, as well as provided technical direction and set design. Favorite projects include Laughter on the 23rd Floor and The Immigrant. While a great deal of his time is spent behind the scenes, his true passion is acting. Memorable roles include Butch/Margo in The Gay Deceiver and Billy/Steven in Play On. His greatest theatrical accomplishment has been sharing in the efforts to open the doors to the Center Playhouse in March of 2001.