Cast members for Friday Night Live #11 pose during rehearsal March 14 at 49 Franklin in Rumford. In front is Zac Calden. From left, front row, Brian Carrier, Mary LaPointe, Scot Grassette, Kris Howes, Tom LecClerc, Sarahmarie Gervais, Jessica Rodrigue, Becky Howard, Cindy Grassette and Mike Brennick; back row behind the wall, Zach Grassette, Carol Smith and Chuck Bellegarde. Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times

RUMFORD — It’s been a long wait, but 49 Franklin owners Scot and Cindy Grassette are bringing back Friday Night Live for its 11th performance starting later this month.

The last time the adults-only sketch comedy show was held was 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic took off, forcing cancellation of its encore show and plaguing the region over the next three years.

On March 14, the entire cast showed up at the Mystic Theater at 49 Franklin St. for their weekly Tuesday rehearsal.

The 11th production is directed by Cindy Grassette.

The cast features Mike Brennick, Sarah Gervais, Zach Grassette, Carol Smith, Zac Calden, Becky Howard, Jess Rodrigue, Chuch Bellegarde, Mary LaPointe and Scot Grassette.

“It’s a good show,” Scot said. “I always get ideas from the community. Lot of times, I’ll get ideas just by having lunch at the Hotel Rumford.”

The two-hour show will have about 12 skits, with several people sharing in writing them.

“We have some new cast members, along with some veterans, to create a different mix of local talent and different elements of comedy,” he noted.

Kris Howes is the guest host, with musical guest Tom LeClerc. Brian Carrier does the tech work for the show.

Scot said he built a wall set for the final skit, reminiscent of the one used in the “Laugh-In” TV show’s joke wall in the 1960s. The wall was painted with brightly colored psychedelic designs.

Also featured, he said, will be a comedic River Valley Spotlight video made at Dick’s Restaurant in Mexico. It will include employees and some customers there at the time. It will be shown between a couple of the skits when time is needed for setup.

Cindy said they’re downsizing the 130-member audience in the theater and adding a sixth one performance.

Downsizing creates more room. They will also filter the air throughout the show as well.

Friday Night Live began in 2011 and has sold out every time.

“One thing I’m seeing a lot of this year is people buying tickets in groups,” Scot said. “People who want to come out to do a thing together. It tells me people want to do things with friends and want to go out and have fun again.”

The 8 p.m. show will be staged Fridays and Saturdays March 31 and April 1, April 7 and 8 and April 14 and15.
Doors open at 6 p.m. for cash-only pub food and cash bar.

There are no reservations and seating is first-come, first-serve.

The $20 advance tickets are available at www.49franklin.com and at All That Jazz in Rumford. Tickets are $25 the day of the show.