'Valentine' back by popular demand

The audiences, however, were not quiet: the comedy played to full houses. Now, thanks to requests from its audiences, the company has brought it back, again with Sabian Trout in the director's chair. And, happily, the same actress is in the title role, Carlisle Ellis.

Here's what Star reviewer M. Scot Skinner said about the play in the Aug. 31, 2009, Star:

"'Shirley Valentine' is one of those comedies, like 'The Odd Couple' and most every other Neil Simon comedy, that is sturdily built, packed with crowd-pleasing moments and witty one-liners.

"In short, if you've got an above-average actress playing the title role, Willy Russell's one-woman play is almost foolproof.

"Carlisle Ellis isn't an above-average actress, of course. She's way above average. …

"She brings her natural charisma, and much more, to this utterly winning version of 'Shirley Valentine.'

"Shirley is a 52-year-old housewife from Liverpool who is feeling less than alive these days, bogged down in a relationship that feels stale, as she tells her kitchen wall.

"She's got the chance to spend a fortnight in Greece, but she can't just up and go, leaving her husband to fare for himself.

"Naturally, she goes. … She finds herself, and, to her amazement, she likes herself.

"In truth, thanks to such smart, beautiful work from Ellis, the audience is on board with Shirley from the get-go."

If you go

• What: Live Theatre Workshop's production of "Shirley Valentine."

• Playwright: Willy Russell

• Director: Sabian Trout.

• When: Previews at 7:30 p.m. today and Friday; opens 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Regular performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through March 18.

• Where: Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway.

• Cost: Previews are $12; regular performances $18. Discounts available.

• Reservations/information: 327-4242 or www.livetheatreworkshop.org

• Cast: Carlisle Ellis.

• Running time: About 2 hours, with one intermission.