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By SARAH ROTHWELL

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 12, 2008

CARROLLWOOD - Not all love stories are traditional.

"Same Time, Next Year," a play by Bernard Slade, tells the story of a man and woman who leave their spouses behind to spend a weekend together once a year for 25 years. Their affair evolves into more than a physical relationship.

"By letting audiences listen in on the couple's intimate conversations, the play examines what it means to love unconditionally," said New Tampa Players director Jennifer Barnekow.

A New Tampa Players production of "Same Time, Next Year" opened Friday night at the Carrollwood Cultural Center. Marc Sanders and Mary Jordan play George and Doris, a couple coming to terms with their extramarital affair throughout the 1950s, '60s and '70s. The two actors command the stage for just less than two hours.

"This is a small production," Barnekow said. "New Tampa Players is usually known for big shows with big casts. We wanted to do this play to affirm our artistic presence in the community."

Barnekow held auditions for the production in April. The New Tampa resident was looking for character actors willing to dive in emotionally. She wasn't looking for amateurs.

Sanders, a veteran Tampa actor, and Jordan, a former New Yorker and New Tampa Players rookie, had instant chemistry. They also gave good readings.

"They really captured the nuisances of the characters," Barnekow said. "I was impressed."

At rehearsals, Sanders and Jordan got to know each other and their characters well. They laughed together, stressed out together and got the job done together. Both feel confident in their roles.

"With a small production like this, there is definitely more time and energy spent on character development," Jordan said. "It's about becoming the character."

Jordan described Doris as strong and determined.

"Doris doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve," said the Rocky Point resident. "She's a fighter. She has a good sense of humor and a pragmatic approach to life."

Sanders described George as multidimensional.

"In the beginning, George is neurotic, but he goes through a lot of changes," said Sanders, a Trinity resident. "Later, he is in more of a relaxed state. Still, he's leading two separate lives, and he's always trying to maintain some sort of balance."

George and Doris meet yearly at the Country Inn. Throughout the show, the set never changes. To show the passage of the time, Sanders and Jordan wear period costumes. They start out fresh-faced in 1950s clothes and end up aged in vintage 1970s.

Music helps indicate the time period.

The play starts off with "Hey, Good Lookin'" playing in the background, Sanders said. The soundtrack also includes "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival and "In My Life" by The Beatles.

The production is strictly for adults, whom Sanders said can expect to feel nostalgic during the production. They also can expect to laugh and cry.

"This production has comedy and drama," he said. "The characters are genuine. I think they will grow on the audience pretty quickly."

Jordan considers the play a love story, even though it doesn't fit the typical mold.

"The characters are on a journey together," she said. "They grow closer together, and then they grow apart, but they always need each other. It's a beautiful story."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: New Tampa Players present "Same Time, Next Year"

WHEN: 8 p.m. July 12, 18, and 19; 2 p.m. July 13, 20, and 27; and 7 p.m. July 25 and July 26

WHERE: Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road

HOW MUCH: $15 general admission ($10 for students and seniors)

INFORMATION: Call Eileen at (813) 269-1310.

Sarah Rothwell can be reached at (813) 865-4845 or srothwell@tampatrib.com.

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