Mitch Albom’s witty comedy And the Winner Is is next up on Wine Country Theatre‘s schedule, debuting April 10 at the Encore Center in Paso Robles.
And the Winner Is tells the story of Tyler Johnes, a self-obsessed movie star who is finally nominated for an Oscar. But he has the bad luck to die the night before the awards. Outraged and determined to know if he wins (even though he’s dead), he bargains with a heavenly gatekeeper to return to earth for the big night.
Along the way, he drags his agent, his acting rival, his bombshell girlfriend and his ex-wife into the journey, in a wildly twisting tale of Hollywood and the afterlife.
The cast includes Greg de Martini as Johnes, Geoff Higgins, Russ Snow, Edgar De La Cruz, Brianna Ontiveros and Amanda Thompson.
“This comedy is like a modern-day morality tale, a fantasy told with humor and warmth,” according to director Cynthia Anthony. “It’s a spoof on Hollywood values and the very human need for approval and recognition. It’s good to look and to laugh at ourselves—that is what theatre is for.”
Albom is the author of the bestselling books Tuesdays with Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven.
The Encore Center—now home to Wine Country Theatre—is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Paso Robles on Railroad Street directly behind Park Cinemas. The facility, a partnership between the SLO County Office of Education and the SLO CTE Foundation, provides professional, high-quality space for the arts, CTE classes, professional development, and community meetings.
And the Winner Is plays through April 26. Wine and refreshments are available in the lobby one hour before showtime.