London Community Players’ production of Harris Cashes Out! plays on the Procunier Hall stage at the Palace Theatre from March 5 – 15. Director Julianna Goertzen talks about the production in this Q&A interview with Richard Young.
Q. What is the basic premise of Harris Cashes Out? Could you provide a brief plot synopsis?
Harris Wellborn is an old, washed-up Broadway musical writer who didn’t make much money in theatre. After his wife passed away, he fell into despair, and his sister, Maggie, moved him against his will to Baltimore to be closer to her. She arranged for an eccentric dog walker, Kim, to check on him and his health, but Kim and her boyfriend, Jason, had other plans to take advantage of Harris and his musical writing past. It’s a comedy about relationships and the things that happen when very different people are in proximity to one another.
Q. The description on the Palace Theatre website indicates that the play has a Broadway theme. Does it include any musical numbers?
The only musical numbers it includes are the little ‘soft-shoe humming’ songs that Harris (played by Tim Bourgard) makes up on stage every performance. You may also recognize famous musical numbers played during the intermission and changes in scenes.
Q. Why did you choose the Procunier Hall stage as opposed to the larger Palace Theatre stage?
With a play like Harris Cashes Out!, I believe it would be more appropriate for a smaller venue like Procunier Hall to hold. With only four actors and a simple rundown apartment set, you’re right up close to the action and can hear the quiet, sensitive scenes that you might not catch with a big stage.
Q. Can you tell me about the playwright Londos D’Arrigo? I understand he’s Canadian and from around these parts. What other noteworthy plays has he written?
Londos was born, raised, and currently resides in Toronto. We have the privilege of having him coming to see our production of Harris Cashes Out! and we are very excited. Londos says that Harris Cashes Out! is a favourite of his. Other comedic plays he has written include Spreading it Around, which the London Community Players produced in 2009 at the Palace Theatre. He has also written a play called Vicki’s Back!, which sounds very similar to Harris Cashes Out!, written with a female lead in ‘show biz’.
(Pictured: Playwright Londos D’Arrigo.)
Q. Can you tell me something about yourself in terms of your involvement in community theatre, things such as other plays you have directed, produced or starred in?
I have always been involved in theatre from a young age. Most of my theatrical career was with Aylmer Community Theatre (ACT). In 2007, I started out as a makeup artist and dresser for those quick changes backstage. My acting debut on ACT’s stage was a comedy called Not Now Darling by Ray Cooney and John Chapman, where I played Sue Lawson. I was required to act drunk and walk around in my underwear on stage. Since then, I have been a part of many productions, whether as a stagehand or stage manager. My specific role was not of primary importance; what mattered most was that the cast and crew enjoyed a positive experience while producing the show. I have only directed two one-act shows with ACT in the past, so this is also my first full-length show.
In regard to my London community theatre experience, this is my directorial debut. A year ago, I was on the Palace Theatre stage as Dorothy Foxton in Murdered to Death, a comedy by Peter Gordon; before that, I was Dorothy in Stepping Out by Richard Harris in 2009.
Q. What challenges have you encountered bringing this play to the Procunier Hall stage?
I have experienced very few challenges with bringing Harris Cashes Out! to Procunier, although the set and lighting crew may disagree since a set like this hasn’t been built in Procunier Hall for as long as anyone can remember. The biggest challenge about the play is the part of Harris. Harris’ lines amount to 50% of the dialogue. Tim Bourgard, who plays Harris, has been working very hard to recall every word, blocking, prop, and costume piece. The other actors have been very helpful and encouraging to Tim as we make our way through rehearsals.
Q. Is there anything else you think our readers should know about LCP’s production of Harris Cashes Out!?
This family-friendly show is full of laughs for all ages. Come out and enjoy live theatre up close and personal in Procunier Hall at the Palace Theatre. You won’t regret it.
CAST & CREW: HARRIS CASHES OUT!
| Director | Julianna Goertzen |
| Stage Manager | Alex Goertzen |
| Producer | Andrew Kaszowski |
| Assistant Stage Manager | Andrea Stevens |
| Light Design | Andrew Kaszowski |
| Sound Design | Alex Goertzen |
| Costumes | Julianna Goertzen & MJ Walzak |
| Props | Colin Arthur |
| Intimacy Coordinator | James Noonan |
| Set Build Lead | David Long |
| Harris Wellborn | Tim Bourgard |
| Maggie Bellows | Vivien King-Sherwood |
| Kim Sutton | Jasmine Gunkel |
| Jason Sernach | Sam Didi |
IF YOU GO:
What: London Community Players present Harris Cashes Out!
When: Thursday, March 5 – 7:30 pm
Friday, March 6 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 7 – 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 8 – 2:00 pm
Thursday, March 12 – 7:30 pm
Friday, March 13 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 14 – 2:00 pm
Sunday, March 15 – 2:00 pm
Where: Palace Theatre, 710 Dundas St, London, ON.
Tickets: https://mytickets.palacetheatre.ca/eventperformances.asp?evt=526
For more information about the Palace Theatre, visit https://palacetheatre.ca/
Follow the Palace Theatre on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/atthepalace/
Interview conducted by Richard Young
If you have a story idea or would like to become a Volunteer Writer for The Beat Magazine, you can reach Richard at richardyoung@thebeatmagazine2025.ca
The Beat Magazine 2025 