Left to right: Susan Schlesinger, Jim Janowski, Joyce Recupido, Ginger Henry (photo by Kate King-Turner)
Publicity Committee
Sun Lakes Community Theatre (SLCT) performance tickets are a hot commodity around here. The recent run of their fall production, Rex’s Exes, played to full houses every show, and the tickets were all purchased before the show even opened! SLCT thanks everyone for their wonderful support!
And the crowds were not disappointed. Comedy was king in this hilarious farce about the three Verdeen cousins of Sweetgum, Texas. Susan Schlesinger was energetic and convincing as Jimmy Wyvette, the owner of Wide Bride, the bridal gown shop known for its unique (if tacky) creations. Joyce Recupido was wonderful in her reprised role of Peaches, the funeral company’s cosmetician who was shocked to find out her formerly deceased husband was, in fact, quite hale and hearty. Ginger Henry was adorable as the whipped-cream-toting Gaynelle who was not enthusiastic about turning half a century old. The cousin’s uncle Aubrey was played superbly by Lew Crawford who obviously loved recreating his character and chasing around after sexy senior citizen Mama Doll, expertly played by Marilyn Holt.
The affable local access TV show hostess Cee Cee was elegantly played by Diana Nelinson. Kate King-Turner played the cousin’s aunt LaMerle, a grumpy and sanctimonious busybody whom the audience loved to hate. Her snarky remarks were a hoot. Nancy Patterson was hilarious as Gentle Harmony, the psychic hypnotist who accidentally turned LaMerle into a monkey. When Jim Janowski made his entrance as Rex wearing a full frontier-themed bridal gown and sporting a veil, the crowd went wild with laughter. His portrayal of Rex was spot-on. Jo Birlin, the Third Lady of Texas, was brilliantly bored with all the shenanigans in Sweetgum. Mark Wenz, as Wild Bill Boudreaux the bounty hunter, was the right combination of scary and softhearted when he traded Rex for a full-figured bridal gown and wedding reception for his sweetheart. Roxy Banta was perfect as the annoying neighbor Bitsy who wanted to be the only choice in town for the newly single Bible accessories and tire salesman.
Throughout the show, both Greg Posniack and Cari Scholes did a wonderful job of carrying clever signs between scenes to alert the audience to what was coming up.
Veteran director Sandy Bocynesky did an outstanding job of providing guidance, wisdom, and creative ideas for the cast and crew of the show. And, of course, the show wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the many volunteers who helped with the myriad jobs that it takes to put on a full production like Rex’s Exes.
The next SLCT venture will be the Winter Dinner Variety Show, coming Jan. 16 and 17, 2024, at Sun Lakes Country Club. Auditions for acts are Dec. 5 and 6, and tickets go on sale Jan. 3, 2024. Visit www.slctinfo.com for all the details!