Pools Paradise — Victorian sensibilities confront human failings in SWNCTA farce

Miss Skillon (Ronda Graff) tends to the Rev. Lionel Toop (Ethan Poore) after he is injured by tripping over her bicycle in the dark.

Bruce Crosby/McCook Gazette

Bruce Crosby

Editor

McCOOK, Neb. — Occupants of the post-war English vicarage setting of Pools Paradise may be guilty of some of the seven deadly sins, but with a burned roast and single can of corned beef, gluttony is not one of them.

Penelope Topp (Martha Chmiel), Willie Briggs (Bryce Ostermann), the Bishop of Lax (the Rev. Jeff Kelley) and Ida the maid (Sheryl Havens) check results of the football pool.

Bruce Crosby/McCook Gazette

The Rev. Lionel Toop (Ethan Poore) is certainly proud, but could being a tightwad over the electric bill be considered greed?

Yes, Miss Skillon, (Ronda Graff) the alpha-female former army nurse, yields to lust when it comes to the vicar, but what happens to household standards when more than a quarter million pounds in sports gambling gain is at stake?

Former actress Penelope Toop (Martha Chmiel), housemaid Ida (Sheryl Havens), her boyfriend Willie Briggs (Bryce Ostermann) — and even visiting substitute vicar The Rev. Arthur Humphrey (Jim Pleinis) and the Bishop of Lax (real-life Methodist minister the Rev. Jeff Kelley) end up tangled in a game of “find the winning coupon,” not to mention “find the missing vicar.”

With a little effort, the audience may be able to find examples of envy, wrath and sloth as part of an enjoyable dinner date.

Dinner shows are set for Oct. 6, 11 and 13, doors open at 6 p.m. and tickets $31 for dinner and show, all in the intimate confines of the Bieroc Cafe.

Dessert shows are set for Oct. 9 and 14, with doors open at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9 and 1 p.m. Oct. 14. Tickets are $18 for dessert and show.

Tickets are on sale now at Sehnert’s Bakery, with advance tickets recommended.

With slow pace and mild adult humor, the show is not recommended for infants or toddlers.