Woody Allen classic at Hale

OREM — In 1966, Axel Magee, an earnest, young U.S. diplomat, launches a secret weapon against the communist threat: his stupidity.

Magee has worked in 17 embassies (some as long as three weeks), has been banned in Africa (the entire continent), and has been hung in effigy (by his own embassy). Tragically for the United States, he is now in charge of a very small embassy behind the very large Iron Curtain.

Throw into the embassy a flustered family of New Jersey caterers mistaken for spies, an irate Sultan, incompetent government pencil-pushers, and a Houdini-esque priest with a congregation of none, and you have a screwball comedy for the ages.

A young, little-known comic named Woody Allen, fresh off of Sid Caeser's "Your Show of Shows," wrote this Broadway side-splitter. Who said the Cold War wasn't hilarious?

The upcoming production of Don't Drink the Water marks the first time that Hale Center Theater has produced this Woody Allen comedy in its 18-year history.

Veteran actress and director Jayne Luke takes the helm for the second time at Hale, having directed last year's "Man With the Pointed Toes" as well.

Featured in the cast are Lon Keith and Cathleen Metten-Lewis as Walter Hollander, the caterer from New Jersey and his wife Marion. Bobby Swenson plays Axel, the U.S. diplomat while the role of Susan Hollander is handled by Alexis Wardle.

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If you go . . .

What: "Don't Drink the Water"

Where: Hale Center Theater, 225 W. 400 North, Orem

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday-Feb. 9; 3:30 p.m. Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9

New Year's Eve shows: 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. with a light buffet

Cost: $11.50-$15.50 ($25/$30 New Year's Eve)

Phone: 226-8600