Left to right: Susan Schlesinger, Kyle Simmons, Jill Ponce, Ginger Henry, Anna McCauley
SLCT’S ‘Exit Laughing’ Promises Surprises Galore
The cast has been rehearsing for weeks, and they look forward to presenting one of the funniest and uplifting shows Sun Lakes Community Theatre (SLCT) has offered. Opening on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 6:30 p.m., the show promises to entertain, surprise, and delight its audiences. “This has been a true labor of love,” said director Kate King-Turner. “I am so proud of all the actors, and especially the two who are brand new to the stage,” she said. (Anna McCauley and Jill Ponce) “Veteran actresses Ginger Henry and Susan Schlesinger have gone above and beyond to help the beginners learn the ropes,” she added.
The play takes place in the living room of Connie Harland (played by Schlesinger) on the eve of the funeral service of one of the members of a longtime card-playing foursome. The remaining two (Henry and Ponce) stop by to commiserate with Connie but find themselves amid an unexpected evening of riotous shenanigans, much to the disgust of Connie’s daughter (McCauley). Rounding out the fun (or perhaps causing it) is a young man (Kyle Simmons) who stops by with a hidden agenda that surprises everyone, including himself.
Tickets are on sale at www.slctinfo.com for the show being performed in the Cottonwood San Tan Ballroom in Sun Lakes Nov. 6-10. Performances are at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 6, 7, and 8 and 1 p.m. on Nov. 9 and 10. Doors open at 5 p.m. and 11:30 a.m., respectively. Meals are available for purchase before the shows. For more information, call 480-382-6290.
SLCT’s Children’s Theatre Rehearsals Begin November 14
Horton the Elephant is at it again! And Chandler Unified School District kindergarteners and first graders couldn’t be happier! Horton Hears a Who is being performed in 28 different venues, and kids are thoroughly entertained. The volunteer cast travels every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning, January through March, to let children experience live theater. Teachers receive a workbook/hand-out to distribute after each performance that refers to the show and encourages students to count, draw, and comment on what they have seen. Most importantly, the kids truly enjoy the costumed actors; laughing, applauding, and engaging in the story written originally by Dr. Seuss and adapted by Sun Lakes Community Theatre’s (SLCT) own Roger Edmonds. Actors say the joy they see on the faces of the students makes the early morning trips quite worth it. This year, the shows are again directed by Sandy Bocynesky. The shows will begin on Jan. 7, 2025, and run through March 6, 2025.
For more information on SLCT or the Children’s Theatre, visit www.slctinfo.com.
Looking for Variety
A variety of acts, that is! Sun Lakes Community Theatre is sponsoring its Second Annual Winter Dinner and Variety Show at Sun Lakes Country Club on March 8 and 9, 2025. The fast-paced show will feature musicians, dancers, and who knows what else? If you do comedy or juggling, do a monologue or a magic act, consider auditioning for the Variety Show and entertaining your friends and neighbors. All Sun Lakes and SunBird residents are invited—or anyone related to a resident of Sun Lakes or SunBird is eligible to audition. For more information, call Nancy Patterson at 480-688-9013.
Audiences Applaud The ImproVables Performances
Kate Turner
Back-to-back sold-out shows at Sun Lakes Country Club (September) and Cottonwood Country Club (October) prove The ImproVables are a hot commodity! But the real testament to their popularity is two-fold. First, many audience members are return customers who have enjoyed multiple shows. They keep coming back because each show is different. Secondly, the many comments received have been overwhelmingly positive. One lady approached Phyllis Novy (director of The ImproVables) and said, “We are a sedentary community here, and you got us out of our houses and over here to laugh all night! Thank you so much for doing this.” Another frequent audience member said, “This was the best show we’ve seen so far!” “Creative!” “Inspired!” “Original!” and “Wacky!” were all adjectives heard from audience members.
The ImproVables consists of Sun Lakes and SunBird Community Theatre members who love entertaining small, intimate groups (70 or less) with their comedy improvisation. But their shows couldn’t happen without the assistance of volunteers who help set up, tear down, fold, haul, and transport the plates, poles, and curtains that create the perfect atmosphere for their performances. Led and coordinated by M.J. Clement, the most recent group of volunteers included Carla and Scott Ross, Patsy Kruger, Joe and Chris Kemp, Bill and Jeanne Becker, Sue Stills, and Amy McLaughlin. Providing sound support was Dave Patterson, with assistance from Mike Martin. The ImproVables member Mary Vandergriff created the lovely centerpieces. Susan Paladino videotaped both shows, which will be available on YouTube soon. In addition to Mary, The ImproVables members Rick Stohl, Mark Wenz, Jess Alberts, Jo Birlin, Lew Crawford, Janine Schneck, Nancy Patterson, Sally Holberg, Sandy Pallett, Kathy Tomasewski, Rich Paladino, Michael Carter, Pat Wolfe, Kate Turner, and, of course, Phyllis Novy did extra duty by helping with the set-up and/or tear-down.
For more information on Sun Lakes Community Theatre, The ImproVables, or upcoming shows, please visit www.slctinfo.com.
Auditions for ‘The Mouse That Roared’
Auditions for The Mouse That Roared, the Sun Lakes Community Theatre spring show, will be held on Nov. 16 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Mirror Room at Sun Lakes Country Club.
The play, directed by Howard Hummel, opens April 30 and runs through May 4. For information, email Howard at [email protected] or text him at 541-514-0000.
The Mouse That Roared has a large cast with many roles with just a few lines and leading roles with quite a few lines. No experience is necessary, but joining the theater is required if cast. Numerous backstage jobs include working with set building, painting, props, costumes, and tech.
In addition to learning their lines, Hummel plans to turn some rehearsals into acting instruction. “I plan to teach character building to beginning actors so they can build confidence and, hopefully, ensure that they have a fun and positive experience,” said Hummel. “I hope many residents of Sun Lakes and SunBird participate in this project.”
This classic Cold War satire, parable, and political farce was first serialized in The Saturday Evening Post almost 50 years ago as “The Day New York Was Invaded.” At the time, the U.S. was afraid of a nuclear attack by Russia. The idea of an attack by a small country was so absurd as to seem comical.
Grand Fenwick, a tiny European nation, is furious about unfair U.S. trading practices. An army is sent to invade New York City. The plan is to lose the war so that Grand Fenwick can receive the generous aid that the U.S. gives to countries it has defeated. The invaders march up Broadway and accidentally capture the world’s newest and most destructive bomb. Then they must figure out what to do with it. The Mouse That Roared is a quirky classic of world literature, a poignant tale of political morality, and a hilarious, ultimately triumphant portrait of international relations from the little guy’s perspective.
Director Howard Hummel directed Twelve Angry Jurors, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and many other plays for Sun Lakes Community Theatre. He majored in educational theater at the University of Miami. Hummel has directed, performed, and produced scores of plays.