September 7, 2006

What happens when principles get in the way of love?

Tabard Theatre presents ‘Mr. Pim Passes By’ Sept. 8-16

The Tabard Theatre Company, San Jose, kicks off its sixth season Sept. 8 with A.A. Milne’s whimsical comedy, “Mr. Pim Passes By.”

Leslie Hardy Tamel as Olivia & John A. Leslie as Mr. Pim. Photo credit: Armstrong-Romanko

The production opens Sept. 8 for two weeks only, through Sept. 16. Performances include Saturday and Sunday matinees in addition to evening performances Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Performances will be held at the Triton Hall Pavilion on the grounds of the Triton Museum in Santa Clara. The theatre is an intimate space, perfect for a fly-on-the-wall viewing of a drawing room comedy. Because Tabard productions are staged with an up- close-and-personal approach, the theatre experience for audiences of all ages is enriched, giving everyone the opportunity to join the journey using their imaginations.

This charming comedy was written by A.A. Milne soon after he returned from fighting in World War I and long before he wrote any of the Christopher Robin/Winnie-the-Pooh stories for which he gained tremendous acclaim. The play had its London premiere in 1920. ““Mr. Pim Passes By”” is an engaging comedy, filled with witty, sophisticated dialogue and deliciously humorous scenes of love and marriage that will charm and amuse. It is in the same genre as the witty, urbane comedies penned by Noel Coward, Philip Barry, and Oscar Wilde.

“Originally we had this lovely little play scheduled to wrap up our season this past May,” says Cathy Spielberger Cassetta, Tabard’s managing artistic director. “We decided to open our sixth season with it instead—it’s that special of a play. It truly is a rediscovered theatrical gem.”

Accompanying the production, audience members may enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea during intermission at all performances. Servings will include tea (hot or cold), cucumber sandwiches, petite scones, Pim cookies, and Charlie’s Cheesecake Works Poppers, individual-sized cheesecakes.

Committed to outreach, Tabard is proud to offer a hands-on presentation for blind and visually impaired patrons prior to one matinee of each production. The designated matinee for “Mr. Pim Passes By” is Saturday, Sept. 9, with the hands-on presentation from 1:30–2 p.m., followed by the 3 p.m. performance. Reservations are required for the pre-show presentation as well as for the performance.

Additionally, the company donates a portion of each production’s concession proceeds to a nonprofit organization that is thematically related to each show chosen by the cast and staff. The designated nonprofit for “Mr. Pim Passes By” is the Bill Wilson Center to assist them in their mission to support and strengthen the community by serving youth and families through counseling, housing, education, and advocacy. Bill Wilson Center (www.billwilsoncenter.org) serves over 10,000 clients in Santa Clara County annually. 

For more information, call (408) 979-0231 or visit www.tabardtheatre.org.