'Near and dear to my heart': Monroe Players staging 'Time Stands Still' Oct. 13-15

Suzanne Nolan Wisler, The Monroe News
Updated ·2 min read

Editor's note: This story has been updated with the correct curtain time for the Oct. 13 and 14 performances.

Lisa Ghigliazza is making her directorial debut in Monroe Community Players’ “Time Stands Still.” The show also features three actors new to the Players.

The drama will be presented at 7 p.m. Oct. 13 and 14 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Players’ space at the Mall of Monroe, 2121 N. Monroe St. Doors open a half-hour before each show. Tickets are $15 each; for tickets, visit monroecommunityplayers.org or call 734-241-7900.

Kelly White plays Sarah Goodwin. Adam Carey plays James Dodd. Kori Bielaniec plays Mandy Bloom. All are new to Monroe Community Players. MCP veteran Brian Burchette-Ross plays Richard Ehrlich.

Members of Monroe Community Players (from left) Kori Bielaniec, Brian Burchette-Ross, Adam Carey and Kelly White rehearse a scene from "Time Stands Still."
Members of Monroe Community Players (from left) Kori Bielaniec, Brian Burchette-Ross, Adam Carey and Kelly White rehearse a scene from "Time Stands Still."

“The actors are new to Players, but not new to acting. They have worked with other groups in the Downriver area,” David Wahr of the Players said.“Time Stands Still” by Donald Margulies is set in Brooklyn, New York.

“It focuses on Sarah, a photojournalist who has returned from covering the Iraq War after being injured by a roadside bomb, and her reporter boyfriend, James, who is swamped with guilt after leaving Sarah alone in Iraq. Both are trying to find happiness in a world that seems to have gone crazy. Theirs is a partnership based on telling the toughest stories and together making a difference. But when they are visited by their long-time friend Richard, a photo editor, who introduces them to his much younger new girlfriend, Mandy, their story takes a sudden turn, and the adventurous couple confronts the prospect of a more conventional life,” the Players said.

Kelly White and Adam Carey rehearse for Monroe Community Players' "Time Stands Still."
Kelly White and Adam Carey rehearse for Monroe Community Players' "Time Stands Still."

Director Ghigliazza has a connection to “Time Stands Still.”

“This play has been near and dear to my heart since my son performed the lead role of James during his time at Wayne State University in 2013,” she said. “Since then, I’ve looked for an opportunity to direct and produce this play for other audiences.”

Ghigliazza has been with Players for about two years.

“She has previous experience, mostly with makeup, costumes and children’s theater with Downriver groups,” Wahr said.

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The assistant director is Ron Roberts.

“He’s been an actor, stage manager, lights, and soundman for years and a recent director himself,” Ghigliazza said. “We’ve put together an excellent cast of seasoned actors to bring you this timeless story about relationships and the choices people make about their futures.”

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Monroe Community Players perform 'Time Stands Still' Oct. 13-15