by Joe Siegel
Mary Paolino is playing Maude in the offbeat comedy “Harold and Maude,” presented by The Community Players. The show will be performed from February 13 – 22 at Jenks Junior High School in Pawtucket.
Writer Colin Higgins adapted his screenplay into this hit stage play about a lonely 19-year-old boy who finally learns how to truly live when he meets a delightfully wacky octogenarian.
Paolino, who has appeared in several stage productions over the years, has embraced the character.
“I love Maude, she’s so open and adventurous and doesn’t care one bit about what people think, which is how I feel most of us would prefer to live,” Paolino explained. “She is also so accepting of other cultures, which, in these divisive times, is so great to see.”
“It has been a pleasure to work on this production,” she continued. “I had previously worked with (Director) Brad Kirton in West Bay Community Theatre’s concert version of “Cabaret,” where he played a Nazi and I was the world’s oldest Kit Kat Girl. And Noah (Martinez), who plays Harold, is so talented and fun to work with. And he is taking it in stride playing the romantic interest of a woman old enough to be his grandma. And the entire cast (including Ron Martin, Dan Curtin, Karen Gail Kessler, W. Grant Willis, Leslie Racine Martin, and Izzy Labbe) are so well-suited to their roles.”
“This spring marks 50 years for me in local theatre. In addition, I’ve done many commercials, films, TV shows and industrials,” Paolino said.
Paolino’s favorite roles include the unyielding Sister Aloysius in “Doubt” at The Community Players, and good-natured Agnes in “When We Were Young and Unafraid” at The Players – Barker Playhouse.
“I very much enjoy the camaraderie of the RI theater community. Once you work on a show with someone, you remain connected. Probably my biggest theatre activity outside of performing is attending my friends’ shows. When performing, you get to thoroughly explore a character and create a unique interpretation.”
Paolino says “Harold and Maude” has endured over the years partly because of the special relationship between the characters.
“I think due to the appeal of the (1971) film “Harold and Maude”, which became a cult classic, people of the Baby Boomer generation will definitely be intrigued by this production. And as Harold and Maude both present as “fish out of water,” I think a new generation will definitely relate to Harold’s blossoming under the encouragement of Maude.”
Harold and Maude presented by The Community Players at Jenks Auditorium, 350 Division Street, Pawtucket, RI.
Performances are scheduled for February 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 with Friday and Saturday curtain times at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $25.00 for adults and $15.00 for students (with a valid ID). Discount rates are also available for all performances for groups of 20 or more.
Courtesy of Mary Paolino.
New England Theater 
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