Dramatic Divide

The title of the Interplayers Ensemble’s new show, “You Say Tomatoes,” almost begs for a subtitle: “I say to-mah-toes.”

“To-mah-toes” is the British pronunciation of the word. The British-American culture clash, circa 1994, is the theme of this Bernard Slade romantic comedy. A tweedy, reclusive British mystery writer develops an unlikely romantic liaison with a brash, rambunctious American film producer.

“I chose this play because I thought it was a wonderful metaphor for the political, cultural and romantic differences between the two countries,” said Nike Imoru, the Interplayers’ artistic director and the co-director of this play.

“It reminded me of some of the things I encountered when I came to America. It’s a wonderful piece.”

Imoru was born in London, raised across many cultures (including British and Nigerian) and came to America several years ago to teach.

She chose to create another kind of creative metaphor in the direction of this show. She decided to co-direct the play with an American director, Stan Brown, a theater professor at Western Washington University in Bellingham.

“I directed the first act, which takes place in England,” said Imoru. “Stan directed the second act, which takes place in New York.”

This adds another layer of mid-Atlantic cultural depth to the mix.

The playwright Slade is a living example of this cultural dichotomy – he was born in Ontario, Canada, which has both American and British influences. Slade moved from Canada to Britain, where he lived for decades, and then came across the pond to work in American TV.

“He just really captures that tension,” said Imoru.

Slade had a hand in such ‘60s and ‘70s sitcoms as “The Flying Nun,” “The Partridge Family” and “Bridget Loves Bernie,” the latter being yet another culture-clash comedy about romance between a wealthy Irish-Catholic woman and a New York Jewish cabbie.

He is best known for his 1975 Tony-nominated hit “Same Time, Next Year,” which was made into a movie with Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn.

In Interplayers’ production of “You Say Tomatoes,” the role of Giles, the British writer, is played by Jamie Flanery and the role of Libby, the American producer, is played by Stephanie Brush. The two other roles are filled by Barrie MacConnell and Erica Chiles-Curnutte.

All of these actors are local. Imoru said having an all-American cast is no problem. She said the actors are having a great time exploring the nuances of these characters, both British and American.

By the way, how does Imoru pronounce “tomatoes”?

“To-mah-toes,” she said.