Pocatello’s Westside Players’ Community Dinner Theatre's outstanding 2014 season opens with Neil Simon’s romantic comedy, Chapter Two. The New York Post wrote, "Touching and always funny...most of the time, downright hilarious." Westside Players is Idaho’s oldest nonprofit, all volunteer community theatre, founded in 1986.

The semi-autobiographical comedy centers around a recently widowed writer struggling for a second chance at love. George (played by Craig Pesti-Strobel) is content to grieve the loss of his wife but his brother Leo (Skip Taft) has other plans. Leo is sure that meeting Jenny (Shelley Canalia) will help George move on with life and will help Leo to an affair with Jenny’s best friend Faye (played by Timmia Costin). When George falls genuinely in love with Jenny and she with him, things get complicated, and it’s a bumpy road for these charming, not-so-young lovers. Can a second marriage flourish in the shadow of the first? Join us for the great fun of finding out. 

Neil Simon is one of the most reliable hit-makers in Broadway history, as well as one of the world’s most performed playwrights. His plays include Barefoot in the Park, Plaza Suite, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Biloxi Blues, Rumors, Odd Couple and The Sunshine Boys.

Director Leslie Leek guides a skilled ensemble performing on a set designed by her son, Brin Durham. Making his Pocatello stage debut is Craig Pesti-Strobel, Minister of the United Methodist Church. Strobel majored in Theatre before answering the call to ministry. Jackie Czerepinski coordinates costumes. Crew members are Dana Harris, Assistant Director/Stage Manager; Misty Trevino, Property Mistress; Dale Spencer, Technical Director.

Cafe Tuscano caters a menu that includes Baron of Beef, Grilled Lemon Rosemary Chicken, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Au Gratin Vegetables, Mixed Green Salad, Dinner Rolls and Cherry Cobbler with Whipped Cream. Hooligan's continues to provide the beverage service.

The Lobby Gallery features the “sculpture drawings” of Stan Gates, curator/owner of Gate City Fine Arts Gallery. These are works of art in themselves and offer an insight into Stan's creative process leading to the creation of his metal, plaster or resin material sculptures for which he is well known. Come visit with Stan Gates at the traditional Meet the Artist Champagne and Appetizer Reception on Opening Night, Friday, January 31, at 6:00pm, hosted by Susan Lorenz.

All performances are held at The Warehouse,1009 S. 2nd Avenue. Dinner&show: $30.00. Show-only: $15. Tax is included. ISU students enjoy a special show-only rate, with current Bengal ID, of $5 and $20 for dinner and show. Doors open; 6pm; dinner: 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. performance: 8 p.m. For reservations, with and without dinner, call The Raven’s Nest, 208-232-2232. Season tickets are available at The Ravens Nest or sold at the Chapter Two door. For all things Westside,visit westsideplayers.org and facebook, Westside Players Pocatello.