Salem theater to bring ‘God’s Favorite’ to the stage

Staff report

SALEM

Salem Community Theater will stage the Neil Simon comedy “God’s Favorite,” opening Friday and running for two weekends.

Directed by Dan Haueter, the play is loosely based on the Biblical story of Job and his trials and tribulations.

It focuses on successful Long Island businessman Joe Benjamin (played by Dick Fawcett), a modern-day Job with a demanding wife (Karen Hauck-Losito), ungrateful children and wise-cracking household employees.

Just when it seems things couldn’t get any worse, he is visited by Sidney Lipton, aka A Messenger from God (played by Tyler Kinser), who is on a mission to test Joe’s faith. The jokes and tests of faith fly fast and furious as the playwright spins a contemporary morality tale.

Rounding out the cast are Tim Gottschling, Nick Berger, Margaret Wack, Lynn Peterson and Kathy Fawcett.

Performances will be at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets are $15 ($11 for seniors, $9 for students). Call 330-332-9688.