Peapack-Gladstone — With a dastardly villain worthy of the most spirited hisses and boos and a hero and heroine who will win the hearts of the audience as well as each other, the Peapack Players return to Peapack Reformed Church this month, this time with Caught in the Villain’s Web. The comedy, to be staged in the church’s Fellowship Hall, is a spoof of an old-fashioned melodrama.

In addition to a traditional story of good triumphing over evil, the production will also feature a generous selection of musical numbers featuring favorite songs of the Gay 90’s. Co-directing are Allen Crossett of Gladstone and Hugh Wallace of Whippany, with Henry Repp of Rockaway as musical director and Anne Hampson of Hackettstown as vocal director. The producer is Linda Jean Lipkin of Bernardsville, and the stage manager is Gail Solomon of Bedminster.

Opening night, on Friday, October 18, will again be a benefit for the Peapack-Gladstone Public Library. Tickets for the benefit are $25 each and may be purchased at the library or at the door.

Additional performances will be given on Saturday, October 19, and the following week, Thursday through Saturday, October 24 to October 26, with tickets at $15 each. Curtain each evening is 8 p.m., and because seating is limited, those planning to attend are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance.

Featured in the cast will be Debbie Glicklich-Fliegauf of Phillipsburg as Felicity Fair, the persecuted heroine who is more sinned against than sinning. Tom Laureys of Netcong will portray the manly-bosomed hero Malvern Larkfield, who raises stinkweeds, and Dave Villepique of Chester will play the part of Cyril Bothingwell, who is steeped in villainy and who will stop at nothing to gain his foul ends.

Beth Gleason of Chester will portray Regina, the hero’s hard-hearted mother, with Shannon Ludlum of Basking Ridge as Lona, the hero’s little sister who has a heart of gold.

Patricia Idell of Martinsville will play the part of the scheming Nella, who has fallen in love with the hero’s wealth, with Catherine Schrein of Basking Ridge as her mother Geraldine. Frank Higbie of Bound Brook will be seen as the family physician, with Chris Winans of Convent Station as the butler with a past, and Ashley Lund-Pearson as the French maid.

Peapack Reformed Church is located on Main Street across from the Gladstone railroad station. Additional information is available by calling the Peapack Players hotline at 908/234-2979.

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