MONROE — Monroe Theatre Guild announced its spring production of “Jake’s Women.” 

Author Neil Simon, an American playwright and screen writer, is best known for his comedies on the Broadway stage and in Hollywood movies. “Jake’s Women” a romantic comedy, tells the story of Jake, a novelist wrestling with writer’s block while trying to save his troubled second marriage. 

Jake, played by Adam Bansley, talks to the women in his life, either real or imagined, seeking their advice. They include his beloved, but deceased first wife Julie, played by Emily Duvall; his daughter Molly at age twelve, played by Layla Duvall, and Molly as a college student, played by Alli Leutenegger; his bossy sister Karen, played by Nadine Patchin; his opinionated therapist Edith, played by Peggy Woodward; and Jake’s current wife Maggie, played by Kate Leverton. Maggie and Jake are continuously at odds with each other throughout the play as they try to repair their broken marriage. At one point the couple’s constant bickering creates a hysterical scene with Jake’s bewildered girlfriend Sheila, played by Lindsay Dombkowski. 

Directing MTG’s first full-length production of 2022 are Tom Hardin and Susan Jorenby-Hardin, veteran players of MTG. “Jake’s Women” is their directing debut at MTG, bringing with them years of experience as actors, crew members, teachers, and directors in high school theatre and other community theatres. 

Bansley, a newcomer to the theatrical stage, but no stranger to comedy, is known locally for his stand-up comedy and as a popular comedian in MTG’s annual Comedy Night line-up. 

Neil Simon’s witty take on modern relationships in “Jake’s Women” is funny and touching all at once, a refreshing must see romantic comedy for MTG audiences. 

“Jake’s Women,” part of the Colony Brands Performance Series, will be presented at the Monroe Theatre Guild, 910 16th Avenue, Monroe on the Colony Brands Stage. Showtimes are available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for two weekends only, March 25-27, and April 1-3. 

Tickets are now on sale on the MTG website, monroetheatre.com, or at the Monroe Arts Center during their regular business hours, or by calling 608-325-1111.