Playwright to attend ’Guilty Pleasures: An Unapologetic Comedy’ in Central Florida

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – It’s considered a modern twist on a classic comedy, and the renowned sitcom writer who wrote the show is coming to Central Florida.

“Guilty Pleasures: An Unapologetic Comedy” is set on a luxury cruise and follows a married couple, Larry and Jinx. They meet an elegant celebrity, which leads to a series of romantic entanglements and hilarious complications. The show is rated R for its bold take on marriage, infidelity, and a candid look at the complexities of love.

The writer behind it, Ken Levine, is known for being a writer on shows like “M*A*S*H,” “Cheers,” “Frasier,” and so much more.

This weekend, people who go to the show will be in for a special treat. Levine will be attending the 2 p.m. performance on Saturday.

Afterward, he will even do a talk-back with the audience.

The director of the show, Joy Belding, says this is her fifth show with Osceola Arts. She also works full time as a show director for LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

They first started casting for “Guilty Pleasures” in November. Rehearsals started after Thanksgiving where they rehearsed four to five days a week in the evening time.

She says there’s a lot that goes into a show before they open.

“There is casting, rehearsals, production meetings with the set designer, lighting designer and costume designer. Then while we are rehearsing they are getting all those elements built or designed,” Belding said. “Then it’s marketing and getting the word out and getting all the details done, so we not only have amazing final dress runs, but also a great opening night.”

Belding says the audience can expect to laugh a lot, some quick wit, and physical comedy.

“Watching a married couple use their one free pass in the marriage on a cruise ship in the middle of the sea… what could go wrong?” Belding said.

She and the cast and crew are especially excited to have Levine see the show he wrote.

“I think we also have the same thought of making the playwright happy when he sees what we have done with it and with this cast and crew, I think they will knock it out of the park and having him leaving the theater with a smile,” Belding said.

Tickets range in price from $25 for students and $30 for adults.

They can be purchased here or at the Osceola Arts Box Office.

Osceola Arts also makes theatre more accessible with special performances, including an audio-described show on Friday, Feb. 9, at 7:30 p.m. and an American Sign Language-interpreted performance on Saturday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m.

For the best seating for the interpreted performance, contact boxoffice@osceolaarts.org.

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