Thanks to the wonders of syndication, generations of gay men have grown up wishing they were Ginger or Mary Ann from Gilligan’s Island. Fans of the show can see one of its stars, Dawn Wells, up-close at Stage West Dinner Theatre’s production of "The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife."

"I really didn’t know about the gay interest until about ten or fifteen years ago, because the gay issue just wasn’t there," Wells told GayCalgary.com, looking absolutely vibrant before a recent performance of the play. "I suspect more of them wanted to be Ginger. My character of Mary Ann was more like a sister or best friend."

Since Gilligan’s Island ended in 1967, Wells has been a busy woman, traveling the world and making guest appearances on hundreds of shows, as well as having her own fishing show. In addition to being an author, journalist, motivational speaker, adventurer, businesswoman, entrepreneur, chef and volunteer, she also recently opened a not-for-profit film institute in Idaho. So what brings her to Calgary?

"It’s a chance to work with a great cast and director. This play has teeth and I can really get into the role. It makes you think – which I love."

Nominated for three Tony Awards in 2001, the play is the story of Marjorie Taub (Wells), the wife of an altruistic allergist (played by Greg Mullavey, best known as Tom Hartman in the 70’s show "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman"). She is engulfed in a life crisis of Medea-like proportions. Her children are grown, her beloved therapist recently died, and her bowel-obsessed mother is incessantly bickering at her. She tries to lose herself in a world of art galleries, foreign films and avant-garde theatre, but finds she is barely able to rouse herself from the sofa. Her spirits suddenly soar when a fascinating and incredibly worldly friend from her childhood appears on her doorstep. "Lee" the savior that infuses Marjorie with life, quickly becomes an unwelcome and sinister guest.

Part of the appeal of Stage West is their delicious gourmet buffet. It’s important to bring your appetite as the selection is vast and delicious. Whether it’s sushi, salad, Malay chicken sate, beef, or the huge spread of desserts, you’ll likely end up overeating (but you likely won’t regret it either!)

The play itself may take some getting used to, as the dialogue is sharp, witty, and makes a lot of literary and historical references that not everyone will catch. The heart of the story is one that everyone can identify – dealing with Family dynamics and rediscovering oneself. Each of the cast does a fantastic job in their role, especially Anne McGrath as Marjorie’s mother, Frieda Tuchman. Frieda is by far the funniest role in the play, but doubtlessly you’ll see some of your own mother in her character. The cast is rounded out with Heather Lea MacCallum’s tremendous portrayal of Lee Green, and Shaker Paleja as the cute doorman, Mohammed.

"The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife" has something for everyone – drama, comedy, and enough twists and turns to keep you intrigued.

"People should come out and see it. It’s funny, interesting and thought provoking," said Wells, and we certainly agree!

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Contributor Jason Clevett |

Locale Calgary |

Person Dawn Wells |

Topic Celebrity Interview | Stagewest | Theatre |